2011 Outdoor Season

Click on the following links to see the full question and response:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(August 27th) Question 23:  “Does CMSA have policy on what kind of uniform a referee should wear”

Does CMSA have policy on what kind of uniform a referee should wear. If yes where to find the requirements.

Response:  To my knowledge, Uniform requirements are mandated by FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Federation.  A game official if required to wear a Referee Jersey (color to be determined by the jersey colors of the two teams), Referee Shorts (Black or Grey), Referee Socks (Black or Grey), and black shoes. 

 

These are all available at various Soccer Retail Suppliers and/or on-line stores.  Also local Soccer Clubs will often provide Ref Kits. 

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 (August 21st) Question 22:  “…is there anything i need to do in order to referee indoor games this indoor season?”

I took my course last outdoor season, is there anything i need to do in order to referee indoor games this indoor season? Also, who do i talk to in order to sign up for games?

Response:  I am going to assume that this is the first Indoor Season you are planning to officiate.  If so, you will need to register to take the Indoor Refresher Course.  You will be able to register on-line at www.calgarysoccerfederation.com and select Courses and Clinics from the menu on the left hand side.

 

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 (August 15th) Question 21:  “More work needs to be done in regards to substitutions in Canada.”

Concerned Parent comments on the response to Question 19:

 

More work needs to be done in regards to substitutions in Canada. We allow multiple substitutions which can disrupt the flow of the game and encourages coaches of teams in a winning position to slow the game down in the latter stages. Talking about whose possession and when a substitution should be made is only half the story, more focus should be made on the fairness of the substitution and the speed of the change.

 

Let us remember we are already playing a different game to the rest of the world.

Response:  Yes there are pros and cons with the alteration to procedures for substitution.  The response to Question 19 did not suggest “…when a substitution should be made”, only an example.  Many coaches claim they have a right to conduct a substitution on their possession.  The response to Question 19 states that the only right teams have in the FIFA Laws of the Game is “…after receiving a signal from the referee”.  The FIFA Laws of the Game also instructs the game is to be played fairly and safely for all players, which includes procedures for substitution.

 

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 (August 4th) Question 20:  “Why has the RAC not had an election or a selection process for the Referee Reps.”

Why has the RAC not had an election or a selection process for the Referee Reps. I thought that it was for a two year term and alternating every other year.

Response:  Indeed, the referee representatives on RAC are appointed to staggered 2-year terms, such that one of the terms concludes at the end of every calendar year.  Therefore, there is a selection process every year for one of the representatives.  That process is as follows:

 

1)    In the fall (typically November), an invitation to all referees is issued for willing volunteers to submit a resume for consideration for the position.  The invitation typically provides an outline of the qualification criteria.

2)    In the event that more than one submission is received, the RAC creates a sub-committee to review the submissions and provide recommendations to the RAC.

3)    The RAC then votes on the submitted list of eligible candidates, with the Chair having a casting vote..

 

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 (July 11th) Question 19:  “Can you please provide clarification on player substitution.”

Can you please provide clarification on player substitution. At what point can we ask for a substition in a CMSA U16 game. All the referee seem to have a different set of rules and it is very confusing.

Response:  The ‘Substitution Procedure’ is described in Law 4 of the FIFA Laws of the Game.  There is no restriction on when a substation can be requested.  Only that the Substitution can be made “…after receiving a signal from the referee”.  So yes, each referee will have their own preference which is usually described to the captains when the coin is flipped.

For example, a referee will request that any substation request be made at the half, and try to limit requests to their own possession or a ball kick well off the field of play.  The intent is to maintain flow of the game and not take any advantage of a quick restart to the opponent.

 

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 (June 29th) Question 18:  “Can laughing be considered dissent?”

Can laughing be considered dissent?   If the way that the player is laughing is condescending or sarcastic.

 

Could or would you give a yellow card for this? Even if the player didn\'t say a word?

Response:  Dissent can be by word or action.  Waving your hands at the referee can certainly be dissent, so laughing could also be under the right circumstances.

 

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 (June 29th) Question 17:  “A player was in an offside position…defender stepped in front of the ball and raised arm…”

Here is a situation that happened in a game I was refereeing yesterday and got some conflicting advice on.

A player was in an offside position. A teammate went to play the ball to that player but a defender stepped in front of the ball and raised arm and knocked down the ball with his arm. The ball never got to the offside player.

I called a hand ball. A player on the field (who is a ref as well) said which happened first ...so said it should have been an offside.

What's the correct call?

Response:  Assuming that the offside attacker was passively waiting for the ball to get past the defender (as opposed to challenging the defender for the ball).  If that is the case, then the player is neither interfering with play, nor interfering with an opponent (the mere fact that he is in offside position is not sufficient to qualify as interfering with an opponent).  Therefore, the correct decision is a free kick to the attackers for deliberately handling the ball.

 

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 (June 25th) Question 16:  “In terms of fair play awarded. …..”

In terms of fair play awarded. There really isn't any good guidelines for this but the other day I awarded a team with a nine and a provincial referee who had only seen about 10 min. of the game questioned me as to why only a nine ( assuming this ref thought they deserved a 10). I said there had been some constant fouls that almost lead to a caution by a couple of their players. The provincial ref said that’s not enough to give a nine. Then I said well a certain player was questioning some calls with attitude. Again the response was that’s not enough to award a nine. I then said they were cheering when someone got knocked over. There was a shrug and that was the end of the conversation.

 

Now some say take off a point for a yellow and some say that is not enough to take off a point, it depends on the spirit of game.

 

Anyway my question is it just my opinion on what the teams get or is there specific guidelines for when to take off points?

Response:  There are deliberately no formal guidelines for referees to assign fairplay ratings. Below is the text issued by RAC with regards to the fairplay ratings.

 

"The Fair Play program established by CUSA and CWSA is intended to positively reward good player and team behavior and as such, Referees are reminded that for every game each team must be rated for fair play on a scale between 0 and 10, this being at the discretion of and according to the perception of the Referee of the team's behavior in the game they officiated."

 

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(June 25th) Question 15:  “…substitutions are constantly on a referee …..”

If a group of substitutions are constantly on a referee and you have warned them. Now they continue. Would you show the red card to one of the subs that shows dissent. Or would you dismiss the coach by not showing the card and have him leave the field. If you show the red card to a sub then that is misconduct and therefore still play with 11 players? And what if you can\'t tell who is yapping off. would you still just select one from the bunch to send off?

Response:  Dissent is a cautionable offensive, not a Dismissal.   If the Referee choose to dismiss the player, it would be for Offensive Insulting and/or Abusive Language (OIAL).  You can not send off a player unless you can identify the person.  For the coach however, the critical element is not dissent/OIAL (although those are contributing factors).  What will cause the referee to dismiss a coach is "Failing to behave in a responsible manner".  If the coach was one of the people getting 'on the referee', the Referee is fully justified in dismissing him.  In either event they continue to play with 11 and one less substitute.

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(June 25th) Question 14:  “…the linesman for the opposing team was loudly and continuously coaching his team as he played the lines …..”

At a BU14 game the linesman for the opposing team was loudly and continuously coaching his team as he played the lines. We believe he was a coach for that team. Is this permitted? Is does not seem to reflect the impartiality expected of field officials and it was frustrating for parents to listen to. What, if anything, could parents do?

Response:  This needs to be a judgment call by the Game Official (ie. Referee).  Coaching should only be done from the Teams Technical Area.  The intent of the FIFA Laws of the Game is to make the game safe and fair for all players on the two teams.  If the team has a person 'coaching' in the technical area then there is no need for the linesman to loudly instructing the players because it can be distracting to the opposing players.  However if the team only has one coach and noone to run the line, that coach may have to pull a double duty.  So the Referee may need to discuss with both team officials what is acceptable behavior for the linesman.

 

Any discussions expressing concerns should be limited between the Referee and the team officials (ie. those recorded on the game sheet).  CMSA requires a 'Field Marshall' for all games, and that person is on the game sheet.  That person can relay the concern to their team's Coach, or tactfully request an audience with the Referee. 

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 (June 5th) Question 13:  “…correct procedure to signal the ref to a player in an offside position?…..”

What is the correct procedure (if there is one) to signal the ref to a player in an offside position? i.e. player is in offside position but not directly involved in the play. Does the flag go up and the AR continue down the field or does play go on and the call is signaled if the player gets involved if he/she does not come back on side?.

Response:  The first line in Law 11 reads "It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position".  Therefore the '...correct procedure...' is to follow the play and signal the Ref if an offence occurs under Law 11.

Regarding 'come back on side', the player in an offside position cannot return to an onside position then proceed to 'become involved in the play'.  The player remains in an offside position until there is no advantage gained by the player being in that position. 

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 (May 19th) Question 12:  “…just wondering if its legal for a certified referee working by the CMSA …..”

Hi, just wondering if its legal for a certified referee working by the CMSA (calgary minor soccer association) laws and rules to assign someone uncertified in his place when he`s absent.

Response:  No, the assigned referee can not assign a 'non-certified' replacement.  You must find a replacement that is certified.  If no game official, either the assigned Ref or a replacement, shows up to the game, then only the two coaches can assign a 'non-certified' game official.  A good gesture may be to arrange to inform the Coach(es).

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(May 19th) Question 11:  “I have a question about offside: Rebound from the keeper (considering offensive player in offside position…..”

I have a question about offside: Rebound from the keeper (considering offensive player in offside position at the time of initial shot/pass/kick, and playing the ball after rebound)

What is the interpretation of this "rebound"? Where do we draw the line?

Rebound from the keeper is almost always either through blocking with foot (looking like kicking), or blocking with hand/arm..... both of which makes it controversial when considered "rebound"

Response:  This was a topic at a previous outdoor refresher (ie. I believe either 2009 or 2010, my memory is not as good as it used to be).  The 'interpretation' is very clear: "Did the Keeper gain control of the ball before the attacker became involved in play?"  I'm not sure where the controversy would lie.  The Keeper 'blocking a shot' and giving up a rebound is not 'gaining control'.  Blocking the shot and having time to either pass it to a team mate or pick up the ball and throw it back into play is down under control.  If in doubt, I would suggest the call goes to the Keeper, IDFK.

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(May 15th) Question 10:  “During a inDoor Coed match, a defensive player was cautioned for a handball …..”

During a inDoor Coed match, a defensive player was cautioned for a handball in the penalty area. It resulted in a penalty kick and the offending player with 2 minors. The first half ended with 1 1/2 minutes remaining in the penalty. At the start of the second period the player returned to the penalty box and the game was started. After about 20 seconds of play it was noticed that the team which had the penalty had started the second half with 5 players instead of 4. There was some discussion that the offending team should get a minor penalty for to many men on the field. What was finally decided was since the start of the second half was a guarantee sub opportunity and we the Refs should of noticed there was to many players on the field to start the game. The offending team reduced the number of players on the field to 4 and we restarted with a drop ball. Is this the correct action for this situation?

Response:  The Ref and the AR handled this correctly.  This is treated as an honest mistake: On part of the team for putting too many players on the pitch; and on part of the Ref and AR for allowing the 2nd half with too many players on the pitch.

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(May 15th) Question 9:  “On game sheets we use abbreviations for cautions and send off offences …..”

On game sheets we use abbreviations for cautions and send off offences, for example USB.  Does CDSRA or the referee body have a certain list of abbreviations or do referees just make their own?

Response:  The word from our National Ref is there is no set list at any level.  Each region has just developed their own and pass on through experience.

A guide I have picked up:

·         USB – Unsporting Behavior

·         DIS – Dissent

·         PI – Persistent Infringement

·         DR – Delaying the Restart

·         FRD – Failing to respect the Distance

·         ENT – Entering the field without permission

·         DL – Deliberately leaving the field without permission

·         SPF – Serious Foul Play

·         VC – Violent Conduct

·         Spit – Spitting at an opponent or official

·         DOGSO – Denying Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity

·         AOILG – Abusive or Insulting Language and/or Gestures

·         2Y – Second Yellow in the same match

However this list is not official.  Whatever you use, add a description in the comment section of the game sheet.

 

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 (May 14th) Question 8:  “I would like to ask how do you get games.  I am 13…..”

I would like to ask how do you get games.  I am 13.  I just did my referee course and I forgot how I get games so please reply thank you

Response:  At age 13, you are scheduled by the clubs, likely close to your area (ie Foothills, Chinooks, NSD, SWU, etc.).  You can see a list of clubs and their respective areas at http://calgaryminorsoccer.com/page.php?page_id=24272

 

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 (May 13th)  Question 7:  “…the coach asked about substitutions on a corner kick.”

I was referring a BU16 game the other day and the coach asked about substitutions on a corner kick. He said he has not been allowed to sub on a corner and said that was a rule enforced last season. Is there such a rule as I don\'t see anything in the regulations. Just says on stoppages and at referees discretion.

Response:  Substitutions are permitted at any stoppage at the referee's discretion subject to the competition rules. To my knowledge, none of the Calgary leagues place further restrictions on substitutions. You can probably confirm that with the league regs.

 

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 (May 12th)  Question 6:  “During a in Door Coed match, a defensive player was cautioned for a handball in the penalty area”

During a in Door Coed match, a defensive player was cautioned for a handball in the penalty area. It resulted in a penalty kick and the offending player with 2 minors. The first half ended with 1 1/2 minutes remaining in the penalty. At the start of the second period the player returned to the penalty box and the game was started. After about 20 seconds of play it was noticed that the team which had the penalty had started the second half with 5 players instead of 4. There was some discussion that the offending team should get a minor penalty for to many men on the field. What was finally decided was since the start of the second half was a guarantee sub opportunity and we the Refs should of noticed there was to many players on the field to start the game. The offending team reduced the number of players on the field to 4 and we restarted with a drop ball. Is this the correct action for this situation?

Response:  Yes this was the correct action.  I suspect this was an honest mistake on behalf of the team.  And once the Ref and the AR have restarted the game, you’ve given permission for all players on the field of play to participate.  Upon realizing the error, the Ref and/or AR made the correct action to stop play, reduce the number of players, and NOT sanction the team bench.

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 (May 2nd)  Question 5:  “Are goalies allowed to wear a hat in outdoor? ”

Are goalies allowed to wear a hat in outdoor?

 

I have read in rules that Goalies are the only players in outdoors allowed to wear a hat but today the referee in our U12 outdoor game asked our goalie to remove her hat, which was a soft hat with a small soft brim. He has been trained that it is dangerous for goalies to wear hats, other than a touque for cold weather, in case they should head the ball. Could you please clarify the rule and, if they are allowed to wear a hat, let me know what type of hat is allowed. Thanks..

Response:  Goalkeepers as with all players may not wear anything dangerous to another player. Therefore, any hat a goalkeeper wears must have a soft brim.

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 (April 18th)  Question 4:  “Do you happen to know where to go or who to talk to …? ”

Do you happen to know where to go or who to talk to about Reffing a South West United game. I\'m not sure where the office is.

Response:  Each year we provide a list of all CMSA club contacts.  The person for South West United is Maureen Shoults:   referees@cswusoccer.com

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 (April 18th)  Question 3:  “I have just completed the Entry-Level course …? ”

I have just completed the Entry-Level course and am wondering if i am registered already or if i need to still register.

Response:  If you are eligible to officiate CSF games, you need to send an E-Mail to the CSF Referee Scheduler: ref.scheduler@subwaysoccercentre.com.  You will receive login access to a site called https://www.arbitersports.com and instructions on how to get scheduled to officiate games.

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(April 5th)  Question 2:  “define "playing the ball" in the context of penalizing offside …? ”

define "playing the ball" in the context of penalizing offside?

Response:  Touching the ball. There is no other meaning. There is, however, a caveat to calling offside when no onside player could get to the ball and the player in offside position is pursuing it.

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(April 5th)  Question 1:  “I am thinking to be a ref for some extra cash …?”

I am thinking to be a ref for some extra cash. I am 12 years old and I’m wondering if there is a fitness test for indoor soccer.  Thanks!

Response:  It’s true that to be a Soccer Referee, the person needs to be in reasonably good shape because they need to be able to run for the whole game.  However officially Youth Referees do not need to participate in or pass a ‘fitness test’.  To be qualified to officiate and earn ‘some extra cash’, you would need to take the Youth Ref Course.  To register for the course, goto the Calgary Soccer Federation Ref Site to scroll down to the ‘Youth Entry Level’ section and follow the instructions.

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