REFEREES' SQUARE PRE-MATCH BRIEF (By Major Patrick 'Boots' Wellington).

The 'Referees' Square Match Brief' is an easy to remember structured way for a football/soccer referee to brief his/her Assistant Referees and Fourth Official prior to a game. The instructions can be delivered during the match officials' pre-match warm-up (thus bonding the team further), as part of the field of play (FOP) inspection, or separately depending on the circumstances, or the individual Referee's preference. 

The 'Square Match Brief' maximises the ratios of what people remember, by using a combination of the best methods to remember things as shown below:
People remember: 95% of what they teach to someone else
80% of what they experience personally
70% of what they discuss with others 
50% of what they both see and hear
30% of what they see
20% of what they hear
10% of what they read

Start at A and work clockwise BCD - A

|                                   |               |             |___
|                                   |               |             |     |
|                                   |               |             |     |
(B)                                |      *       |  (C)       |     |
= Centre Mark               |               |    =       |     |
|                                   |               |   Goal   |___|
|                                   |               |             |
|                                   |               |             |
|                                   |               |______ _|
|                                   |                             |
|                                   |                             |
|                                   |                             |
|                                   |________________ |
|                                                                 |
|                                                                 |
|                                                                 |
|_______________________________(D)  =   |
(A) = Halfway line                              Corner Arc                               

To A - Walk to FOP from the changing room. 

At A - Stop and brief on entering FOP. Assistants on either side of Ref, flags unfurled, breaking away to check goal nets on entering FOP and returning to Centre Circle for match preliminaries) etc.

A to B - Jog warm-up shuttles under Referee's direction. Return to B.

At B - Stop and brief on where officials will stand for pre-match preliminaries, which touchline they will patrol for the match, and Senior/Junior/4th Official individual responsibilities; team/match history (if known); note taking etc.

B to C - Jog and stretches shuttles under Referee's direction. Return to C.

At C - Stop and brief on (1) Penalties (goal judge (movement acceptability)) (2) Goal Kicks (ball placement) (3) Ball punted from goalkeeper's hands (carrying the ball out of the area).

C to D - Sprints and jog shuttles under the Referee's direction. Return to D.

At D - Stop and brief on Corner Kicks (ball in arc); substitute warming up areas etc.

D to A - Jog shuttles under the Referee's Direction - return to D to start next part of brief.

From D to E - Brief on (1) Flagging for: (a) Corner Kicks (b) Goal Kicks (c) Penalties. REINFORCE Referee and Asst Referee co-operation throughout - delayed flags and eye contact. (2) Goal Scored (3) Off Side (4) Thrown In (5) Fouls and Misconduct (including Mass Confrontation and entering the FOP) (6) Advantage (7) Time signals etc. 

At return to A - Stop and brief on Substitution Procedure, dealing with technical area, checking injured player return (inc. blood); what to do at the end of each half etc

The following advice on weather conditions was provided by the Melksham Referees' Association Chairman Herbie Magri-Overend.

The football season is played mostly in wintry conditions when people normally wear more clothing in order to maintain body heat. Sports people, however, wear the same outfit in winter as they do in summer, and it is a wonder that more do not suffer from cold-induced illnesses, like hypothermia, pneumonia, and the very final – rigor mortis. Of course there are other ways of keeping warm; running exercises the muscles, this circulates the blood faster and induces warmth and so sweat. Be warned, however, sweat brought on under those conditions is brought on by loss of body heat, not from warmth gained, and continuous loss of heat will make the body colder and eventually bring on hypothermia, cause coma and ultimately death.

So be aware. It is most important that loss of body heat, and loss of body fluids, do not go below a certain level. Furthermore, the combination of low temperature and strong winds means people lose more body heat than they would at the same temperature in calm conditions. This effect is called the wind-chill factor and the table, below, amply shows the relevant skin temperature.

When Referees inspect the field of play, they should not just concentrate on the markings and the state of the field, they should also consider the effect temperature and wind speed will have on players. I would not recommend sanctioning play if the temperature is below –10F, in the case of mature men; neither would I allow play to commence in the case of children or women players if the temperature is below 0F – and that is not being chauvinistic. That is being careful.

And then there is rain! We know about rain in England, don’t we? The past couple of months Oct/Nov 2000) have brought in so much that it’s a wonder that the British Isles haven’t floated off with the currents and become an annex to the Caribbean islands! Rain affects the health of humans. Clothes protect the human body from the elements, hot or cold. In cold temperatures and wind, however, clothing that is wet, whether from within (i.e. sweat) or without (i.e. rain), loses its insulation from the weather. Therefore when inspecting the field of play, I do urge everybody to consider the effect rain will have on players and spectators.

These considerations are common sense. Machismo should never come into the equation; neither is the "Stiff upper lip" or being "British", or any other element which endangers people. Fresh air is good for everybody, but when the wind is strong cradles should not be hung from trees!

Many thanks Herbie for your excellent advice.......

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3. Application for matches for players of under 16 years of age, for women footballers, for veteran footballers (over 35 years) and for players with disabilities.       

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Subject to the agreement of the Nationals Football Associations concerned and provided the principles of these Laws are maintained, the Laws may be modified in their application for matches for players of under 16 years of age, for women footballers, for veteran footballers (over 35 years) and for players with disabilities. (This recognises the large number of players with disabilities who play football and permits appropriate modifications to the Laws to enable them to take part in officially organised competitions.)

You will need to look at the local Rules of specific competitions to ascertain the exact measurements of field of play covering under 16 years of age, for women footballers, for veteran footballers and for players with disabilities. The distance between the goal posts and height of the crossbar from the ground and dimensions of the field of play may be modified for these matches. It is important to emphasise that the goal structures themselves must always be securely fixed to the ground to prevent accidents happening - particularly where young players are concerned. If particular competition does not have any particular Rules governing these groups of players, then they should consider agreeing a uniform specification. This can be anything that is sensible for the age group concerned. There is no known standard for specific groups - but safety is always the paramount consideration.

Any or all of the following modifications are permissible:

• size of the field of play
• size, weight and material of the ball
• width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground
• duration of the periods of play
• * substitutions.
  
  Reasons: * The new wording allows the right to flying substitutions only for the above categories. (i.e. under 16 years of age, for women footballers, for veterans and for players with disabilities) and then only with the agreement of the national association.

For some typical examples of changes that have been applied world-wide, see:

http://www.atlanticsoccer.com/fieldimandma.html
http://www.norfolksoccer.net/1_field_of_play.htm
http://www.summit3on3.com/Soccer/soccer_rules.htm
http://www.kcwizards.com/fanfare/yprgms.asp
http://searchpdf.adobe.com/proxies/2/21/38/17.html  
http://www.nysl.org/u10_modified_rules.htm

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4. Penalty and Goal Areas in more detail:      Go to top of this page

A goal area is defined at each end of the field of play as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5 m (6 yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 5.5 m (6 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is called the goal area.

Within each penalty area, a penalty mark(spot) is made 12 yards (11 m)  from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with the radius of 10 yards (9.15 m) from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area. This area is sometimes called the semi-circle, and is the area that players must remain outside of when a penalty kick is taking place.

The penalty mark is 12 yards (11m) out from the centre of the goal-line.
The penalty area lines themselves are part of the Penalty Area, therefore, you can award a penalty if the offence occurs directly on the Penalty Area lines themselves. The arc area outside of the penalty area is not part of the penalty area. The arc is only used to ensure that players are 10 yards away during the taking of penalty kicks.

Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line.

They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar.

The distance between the goal posts is 8 yards (7.32 m) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 8 feet (2.44 m).

Both goalposts and the crossbar must be the same width and depth, and must not exceed 5 inches (12 cm). The goal lines are the same width as that of the goalposts and the crossbar. Nets may be attached to the goals and the ground behind the goal, provided that they are properly supported and do not interfere with the goalkeeper.

The goalposts and crossbars must be white.

Safety

Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement. They 'MUST' be securely anchored to the ground, particularly portable goals.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT - THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF FATALITIES.

Always carefully check the goal nets, there is nothing worse than when you can’t clearly see whether a shot on goal goes inside or outside of a post if the net is not secured properly, particularly at the base of each post. I always carry my own string. You will rarely find a net that has been put up correctly at local Park Level games.

Click here for a History of the Crossbar

5. International F.A. Board Decisions:              Go to top of this page

If the crossbar becomes displaced or broken, play is stopped until it has been repaired or replaced in position. If a repair is not possible, the match is abandoned. The use of a rope to replace the crossbar is not permitted. If the crossbar can be repaired, the match is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when play was stopped.

Decision 2.

Goalposts and crossbars must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. Their shape may be square, rectangular, round or elliptical and they must not be dangerous to players.

Decision 3.

No kind of commercial advertising, whether real or virtual, is permitted on the field of play and field equipment (including the goal nets and the areas they enclose) from the time the teams enter the field of play until they have left it at half-time and from the time the teams re-enter the field of play until the end of the match. In particular, no advertising material of any kind may be displayed on goals, nets, flagposts or their flags. No extraneous equipment (cameras, microphones, etc.) may be attached to these items.

Concerns have been expressed that Law decisions taken on 4 March 1995 prohibiting advertising and club logos on goal nets and corner flags, was not being respected. Such advertising or publicity is not permitted in the Laws of the Game and FIFA was asked to take action against clubs which do not respect these instructions.

Decision 4.

There shall be no advertising of any kind within the technical area or within one metre from the touch line and outside the field of play on the ground. Further, no advertising shall be allowed in the area between the goal line and the goal nets.

Note: This clarifies the situation regarding limiting possible advertising around the field of play. It does not permit advertising on the ground within the technical area but does not forbid, for example, advertising on the Perspex cover over the trainer’s bench in the technical area.

Decision 5.

The reproduction, whether real or virtual, of representative logos or emblems of FIFA, confederations, national associations, leagues, clubs or other bodies, is forbidden on the field of play and field equipment (including the goal nets and the areas they enclose) during playing time, as described in Decision 3.

Decision 6.

A mark may be made off the field of play, 9.15 metres (10 yds) from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal line to ensure that this distance is observed when a corner kick is being taken.

6. Advance Safety and Security Information (Keith Hackett)

The information which is sent in advance, possibly with tickets, car park passes etc., may  include both details of stadium arrangements which apply for all matches and any matters specific to the particular fixture in question. The following list does not claim to be exhaustive but follows the general principle that the referee should be in possession of sufficient information to enable the match day briefing to be restricted to updating and the
reinforcement of key elements.

(i) Introduction by the Safety Officer of himself/herself and senior colleagues.
(ii) Car park arrangements for match officials. (NB: It is considered undesirable for their parking bays to be marked in any way unless in a completely sterile area). Details of the availability of an escort back to these vehicles after the match.
(iii) A plan of the stadium with a general indication of the location of visiting supporters.
(iv) Details of the club's strategy in the event of spectator incursions, both individual and multiple, and, in particular, the protection to be afforded to match officials in such situations. (Most clubs now operate special response teams and their instructions and location within the stadium is of interest to the match officials).
(v) The standard procedures for preserving the privacy of the match officials in their dressing rooms as well as any escort provided to and from the pitch.
(vi) Basic information with regard to emergency evacuation procedures and what is required of the referee in such situations. The method of informing the referee of the need to stop the match. (Experience has shown that it may be unwise to rely upon the Referee's or Assistant Referees' ability to pick up a coded message broadcast on the public address system.)
(vii) Any information, whether of a general nature or specific to the particular match, which the Police Commander wishes to draw to the attention of the match officials.
(viii) Categorisation of the match. In the case of a “police free” match, the likely response time in the event of a police presence being required.
(ix) Confirmation of the location of the Safety Officer and the procedure to be adopted in the event of a delay to kick-off being necessary. (Whilst the referee would naturally be kept appraised of any developing situation which might lead to a delay, it is accepted that on occasions unanticipated events might occur which preclude a warning. Ideally, notification of a delay should not be later than 15 minutes prior to kick-off.)
(x) An . y special procedures in relation to players dismissed from the field of play necessitated by the stadium layout.
(xi) Confirmation of the general division of responsibilities, with particular reference to the control of players and officials (both on the field and on the team benches) resting with the referee, subject to the principles outlined above in Section 3 (i), (ii) and (iii). As this is likely to be standard across the country it may be deemed unnecessary to quote it match by match unless occasioned by specific circumstances.
(xii) Location of the seat for reserve/fourth official.
(xiii) Although some Safety Officers may not regard the arrangements for dealing with injured players as part of their responsibility, this has generally been incorporated into the pre-match briefing and, therefore, details of the position of the stretcher bearers may be included.
(xiv) Any information relevant to the particular match currently available which might be of interest or benefit to the referee..6. Match Day Briefing
This should take place in private but not necessarily in the referee's room. There are obvious advantages from utilising the pitch or, in inclement weather, the players' tunnel to be able to point out the various features of the stadium.
Whether or not the briefing is a joint effort on the part of the Safety Officer and Police Commander or their deputies or is conducted solely by the Safety Officer (or deputy) will vary from ground to ground and match to match.
However, it is recommended that, other than in exceptional circumstances, it should not last more than 2 or 3 minutes and be completed 75 minutes prior to kick-off, covering issues such as the following:-
(i) An update on the anticipated attendance, including away fans.
(ii) Any intelligence regarding problems which may impinge upon the progress of the match.
(iii) Introduction of any key personnel with whom the referee might have dealings, particularly the individual, whether police officer or club representative, who will be responsible for conveying urgent messages to the referee either direct or through one of the assistants.
(iv) Reinforcement of any issues already covered in writing but which are felt worthy of emphasis.
(v) Response to any questions from the match officials.
The commencement time for the briefing may, of course, be stipulated by the competition but, in principle, an earlier time, if more convenient, may be fixed in consultation with the referee. In this case, it is important that the match delegate, if applicable, is also made aware of the new time.

Post Match Reporting
At the conclusion of the match the Safety Officer and/or Police Commander should make contact with the referee, either directly or through a representative, indicating whether or not any incident has occurred which is likely to be the subject of a report to The Football Association. If this is to be the case, the referee should indicate to The Football Association, in writing, the general nature of the incident together with the name and contact number of the person making the report. In the event that the incident was viewed by the referee and/or the assistant referees, a report should be sent to The Football Association describing the incident as they witnessed it.

Similarly, should any of the match officials be contemplating a report to The Football Association relating to safety or security matters, this intention should be made known to the Police Commander or Safety Officer or one of their representatives? The name and function of the person informed should be noted.

7. Questions and Answers:                    Go to top of this page

Question 1: What should the Referee do if the goal nets are full of holes? Should he still play the game even though there are no materials to repair the net?

Answer 1: The Laws are vague about the necessity of having nets attached to the goals. Law 1 actually states that "Nets may be attached to the goals..........." so there is no requirement that netting must be present. Most competition rules will stipulate that goal nets are required, but if this is not mentioned, then there is nothing to stop a game being played without the nets. But I would not recommend it! Do your best to make sure that goal nets are present and properly installed. If the game is a 'friendly', then you could consider playing without nets (but how many games are REALLY friendly - not many!) I would certainly not advise playing a senior level game without the use of nets. Even with nets, it can sometimes be difficult to see if a goal has been scored or not - you would need telescopic vision and TV action replay to see whether a goal has been scored when the ball whizzes in near the goalpost, and you (the Referee) are still catching up with play on the half way line! If the nets are not properly attached, a shot can hit the outside netting and still end up in the goal! If they are not attached securely at the bottom, a well struck shot can enter the goal and pass right through a broken net - or under the net - making it appear never to have entered the goal.

If nets are available, and they require mending - then it is the Home team's responsibility to repair them before the game can commence. But there is nothing to stop you playing with a net full of holes. There are no regulations stating that the net must be made of certain materials, or must not have any holes!, or how wide each net hole should be. My advice is to carry lengths of string with you in your kit bag. Home teams never seem to have suitable ties available to repair or re-fix damaged nets. I'm not proud - I'll tie the nets up myself, and repair any small holes, if it helps me feel more confident about whether a ball has entered the net or not during a game. Ensure that nets are securely fastened to the posts, crossbar and ground. The Referee and Assistant Referees should check or recheck the nets just before the game starts.

The Referee should always try and play a game if he can, and do his best to get the field of play ready and safe - play the game as best you can. If this means playing without all of the lines, nets, flags, penalty mark, centre circle lines, whatever, then if it can be sensibly played - play it. After all, football is not about showing off a perfect field but about playing. The Referee should report any field of play deficiencies to the proper authorities. This will allow the authorities to investigate, and hopefully prevent any reoccurrence of the problem.

Question 2: : In grounds where there is no marked technical area, is a manager, coach or substitute allowed to march up and down the touchline yelling at the players and giving instructions. Can the Referee take any legal action?

Answer 2: 

Action should only be taken if really needed. On most occasions, these types of games do not often prove troublesome.
So Referees are advised to NOT go looking for trouble if they can help it.

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Question 3: I have just abandoned a game after 22 minutes as one half of the field of play was awful and I was concerned for the safety of the players when playing through this particular area. Understandably, the home team was livid at having the match abandoned, as they were 3-0 up. The away team was also not very pleased either! What would you have done?

Answer 3: Abandoning a game because of deteriorating circumstances is not an easy thing to do. We Referees (and players) always like to get a game completed when we can. But as you had already appreciated, the safety of the players is paramount.

A Referee will ALWAYS get a whinge or two whether he continues with the game - or not!.

But you will get a great deal more if you continued with the game and a player received a serious injury because you abdicated your responsibility – or prolonged making a decision.

There is no ‘slide-rule’ guidance you can use when making a decision. It very often is a ‘gut-feeling’. Do not ignore such feelings, because much like a mother’s intuition – they invariably prove themselves to be right.

When you abandon a game, one of the tricks is to be very firm in making your decision and wave away any protest. Tell any approaching players that YOU have made the decision and will be reporting the facts to the League. Of course, you can briefly consult the Captains, but invariably, this is not to be influenced by their persuasion (one way or another) but to be seen to be involving all parties.

Whatever the players think at the time – I guarantee that they do respect a Referee who takes their safety seriously.

Question 4: I saw a Referee remove the corner flags from a field of play recently during his field inspection. And then played the game without corner flags, is this allowed?

Answer 4: Law 1 states that "A flag post not less than 1.5m (5ft) high, with a non-pointed top and a flag, is placed at each corner. Flag posts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1m (1yd) outside the touchline."

The Referee is within his rights not to play the game, if corner flags are not available. Any such instances should be reported to the authorities.

Corner flags are certainly desirable, especially if the line markings are faint. The Referee should try and arrange for suitable replacement corner flags to be obtained. The Home team is normally responsible for supplying or ensuring that the corner flags are in place and suitable.

Safety is always the paramount consideration. Flags must be at least 1.5m (5 feet) in height to minimise the likelihood that a player will be impaled on one. If one or more of the corner flags are unsafe, the Referee may well decide to remove all of them. This Referee was probably removing the flags because they were too short or because they were damaged and unsafe and could not be replaced. The Referee should decide whether or not to play the game without the corner flags. If the Referee decides to play without corner flags, players will need to be told that any open dispute as to whether a ball is a throw-in, corner or goal kick will not be tolerated, and should this happen, they will be instantly disciplined for dissent. I have officiated in a number of games where suitable corner flags have not been available, and even after I have asked players to accept difficult decisions near the corner, I have still had problems with dissent - so be prepared to discipline players who overstep the mark!
I see this almost as a double-indiscipline, one moaning about my decision, and two - unsportingly failing to accept that it is nearly impossible for the Referee to discern whether a ball is a corner kick or goal kick when it quickly goes of the field of play near the corner.

Halfway flags are optional.

Question 5: What action should the Referee take if the cross bar becomes displaced or damaged?

Answer 5: The crossbar is part of the goal and must always be in place. FIFA specifically mentions this in the Laws:

"If the cross bar becomes displaced or broken, play is stopped until it has been repaired or replaced in position. If a repair is not possible, the match is abandoned. The use of a rope to replace the crossbar is not permitted. If the crossbar is repaired, the match is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when the play was stopped."

The Referee should make every attempt to arrange repair of the crossbar (or for a replacement to be provided). A number of players have been killed, due to crossbars falling on their heads - the Referee should therefore not compromise players' safety in making the repairs, or sanctioning anything that is not 100 percent safe. If in any doubt as to the suitability and safety of a repaired or replacement crossbar, the Referee is advised to abandon the game. Tape, rope and wire are wonderful things, but may not be able to hold the weight of the crossbar, or sustain a fiercely driven shot.

You must have a crossbar in place before a game can commence. Rope is definitely not suitable!

For a History of the Crossbar click Crossbar History.

Question 6: During a lofted shot on goal, the goalkeeper who was off his line, ran back and purposefully hangs on the crossbar, bending the crossbar down with his weight - and the ball which would (or could) have gone in the goal, landed on the top of the goal net. What action should the Referee take, and how should he restart the game.

Answer 6: The act of hanging on crossbars used to be a favourite ploy by goalkeepers in the 1970's. Apart from being very dangerous, it is deemed to be unsporting behaviour. The goalkeeper should be cautioned. Not only is it dangerous to the goalkeeper, but it can also be dangerous to other players.
Many players have been killed by the instability of goal structures - particularly displaced crossbars.

In this question, the goalkeeper's action may have interfered with the result of the game, because the ball hit the top of the goal net instead of possibly going into the goal. The Referee can not award a goal, as the ball did not fulfil Law 10 (The Method of Scoring) - "the whole of the ball did not pass over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar."

Law 12  mentions specific sending off offences for denying goal scoring opportunities::

(a) handling the ball, and

(b) denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving
towards the players goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a
penalty kick.

These are clearly "denying goal scoring opportunities" - but there is no mention of infringements such as the goalkeeper hanging on the crossbar. Law 12 does not cover bending of a crossbar. As this offence is neither  '(a) handling the ball' or ' (b) 'an offence against an opponent' it can not (in Law) be deemed 'denying a goal scoring opportunity' even though the action committed by the goalkeeper may have prevented the ball form entering the goal.

The Referee would be in a very difficult position because of the action of the goalkeeper. It would be very difficult for a Referee to decide whether the ball would have entered the goal, or just landed on the top of the crossbar. It would be almost impossible to call.   The Referee should caution the goalkeeper for unsporting behaviour, and award the attacking team an indirect free kick on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest where the offence occurred (i.e. where the goalkeeper hung on
the crossbar).


Law 12 allows the Referee to award an indirect free kick in this instance "An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the Referee commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player."

Another option would be to caution the goalkeeper, and restart the game with a goal kick (or a corner kick if the ball touched the goalkeeper's hand) but this gives the advantage to the goalkeeper's team - and this is clearly unfair.

There may be the very rare occasion when the action of hanging on the crossbar is done by the goalkeeper to prevent injuring himself. For example, whilst attempting to make a save, the goalkeeper leaps into the air and 'clatters' into the top of a goalpost. This action stuns and unbalances the
goalkeeper who instinctively makes a grab for the crossbar to steady himself. If the Referee thinks that this action was inadvertent (not done deliberately) on the goalkeeper's part (and not purposefully done to prevent the ball entering the goal) - then this should be deemed to be accidental, and no punishment is required.

Particularly where children are concerned, Referees are responsible for the safety of players, and should prevent accidents by stopping children from climbing on the nets or hanging from the crossbar.

Goalpost Safety

The English Football Association launched a major campaign in August 2000 aimed at highlighting goalpost safety throughout grassroots football. The drive comes after the deaths of nine children in accidents involving goalposts over the last few years. Check It - make sure goalposts are in good condition and properly constructed. Home-made goalposts never be used - they do not have built-in
safety features and may be particularly hazardous for younger players.

Question 7. Before the start of the game, one of the players complains to the Referee that a goal structure is insecure, and is in danger of falling over. What action should the Referee take?

Answer 7: Insecure goals present a very serious safety hazard when they are not properly secured firmly in the ground. Young players are killed every year by unstable crossbars falling on them. Most goals are permanent, but many types are portable. Permanent goals are usually dug into the ground, and wedged in safely. Portable temporary goals are usually made of lighter-weight transportable materials, and are not as strong and stable as their permanent counterparts. Portable goals (and permanent goals) should be tested to see if they can withstand the forces of football, such as a fierce shot, or a player accidentally tumbling into them. This can be done by giving the goals a good shaking. Portable goals are normally best secured with long metal "U" type brackets or stakes that are driven well into the ground holding the rear and sides of the goal. Weights such as heavy sand bags are also sometimes used to improve stability. The Referee should not start the game until he is convinced of the safety of both goal structures. In this instance, the Referee should call for the goal to be safely rectified. If this can not be done, and no replacement is readily available, then he should cancel the game.

Question 8:  Do goal posts have to be made of wood?

Answer 8. The materials specified in the (LOAF) 'Laws of Association Football' Law 1 Decisions (2) of the International F.A. Board are wood, metal, or any other approved material. A list of approved materials can be obtained from: FIFA, PO Box 85,8030 Zurich, Switzerland.

Question 10: Exactly what is the 6 yard goal area (six yard box) used for? Back in the 'old days', the goalkeeper was 'protected' within this area, but was deemed fair game for a fair charge anywhere outside of it. Referees now seem to fully protected goalkeepers within the entire penalty area INCLUDING the goal area. Is the goal area only there as a spot to place the ball for a goal kick or does it have any other significance?

Answer 10: Before 1998, players were only allowed to (fair) charge a goalkeeper in his goal area if he was holding the ball or obstructing an opponent.

1996/1997 Law 12 stated the following: 

An indirect free kick should be awarded for charging the goalkeeper, except when he:

(a) is holding the ball;

(b) is obstructing an opponent;

(c) had passed outside his goal area.

1996/1997 Law 12 International Board Decision No. 16, Advice to Referees also stated the following:

Although an opponent is entitled to make a fair charge on the goalkeeper when he is holding the ball in his hands, it is not then permissible for an opponent to attempt to kick the ball.

In Law 12 1938/1939: under a column, headed, 'Advice to Players' the following appeared.

(g) When playing as a goalkeeper, bear in mind that directly you leave the goal-area, any opponent may charge you. As long as you are within the goal-area, provided you do not hold the ball or obstruct an opponent, you are protected under the Laws. The best advice to a goalkeeper is to get rid of the ball at once.

In the1997/998 complete rewrite of the Laws of the Game, reference to fair charges was removed (a charge is now either a foul or it is not a foul). Referees now err on the side of caution when protecting goalkeepers.

Therefore, the goal area is now only really used to mark out the area in which goal kicks can be taken. In addition, if a drop ball needs to be taken or an indirect free-kick (awarded to the attacking team) occurs inside the goal area, the restart is taken on a place on the goal line, parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

Question 11a: What is the exact point at which the goalkeeper is considered to be out of the penalty area? Is it when his feet cross the penalty area line, is it when any part of his body crosses the penalty area line, or is it only when his hands are outside of the penalty area line?

Answer 11a: It is only the position of the ball that matters or determines whether a foul has been committed or not.

It is almost impossible for a Referee alone, to judge with any degree of accuracy whether a goalkeeper handles the ball outside of the penalty area when he punts the ball from the edge of the area. Referees are more likely to be quickly making their way to the halfway line (as they should be) in preparation to monitor the drop-zone, rather than positioning themselves alongside the penalty area line to watch for goalkeeper infringements. 

Unless the entire ball is completely outside of the penalty area line at the moment it is handled, the goalkeeper has not committed any foul. 

For example, during the run-up, when a goalkeeper is preparing to kick the ball out from his hands, or when he throws it into the air whilst the ball is still inside the penalty area, his momentum will very often take him (and the ball) outside of the penalty area. So long as he releases the ball whilst it is still in the penalty area, then no infringement has occurred. Generally, when the ball is released at the edge of the penalty area, it looks like the goalkeeper still has his hand on the ball when it is outside of the penalty area; but in nearly all cases, the ball is released whilst it is still just inside of the penalty area. It is the forward momentum of the goalkeeper and the ball that makes it look as though an infringement has occurred. 

It can be very difficult for the Referee (and particularly the Assistant Referee) to judge the exact moment when the goalkeeper releases the ball before he 'punts' or throws it out of his penalty area. Do not be too finicky about penalising goalkeepers unless it is VERY obvious that he still has the ball in his hands, whilst the ball is DEFINITELY outside of the penalty area. 

Assistant Referees are advised that gaining a new position to look for offsides is more important than trying to see if the goalkeeper handles the ball just outside or just inside the penalty area, when the goalkeeper is rushing out to 'punt' the ball upfield. 

If the goalkeeper is outside of the penalty area but the ball and his hands remain either inside or on the penalty area line then no offence has been committed - the line itself is part of the penalty area The position of the ball is the only thing that determines whether the goalkeeper has handled outside his area or not. If the goalkeeper is standing inside his penalty area, stretches his arms outside of the penalty area, and catches the ball (which remains outside of the area), then this is hand ball, and a direct free kick should be awarded. And a sending-off for the goalkeeper if it prevented a goal scoring opportunity. Sometimes, when making a save near his goal line, the goalkeeper will save the shot, but in doing so backs his body into his own goal, but has been very careful to ensure that his hands and the ball remain on the field of play and not over the goal line for a goal. A goal should not be awarded in this instance, as the ball has not fully crossed over the goal-line.

The same principle applies when a player who is trying to keep the ball in play runs outside the field of play and manages to keep the ball in play by kicking it before it rolls over the touch line out of play. Is the ball out because the player was outside the touchline - absolutely not. I have seen players keep the ball in play just inside the touchline, and because of their momentum, run around the Assistant Referee (to prevent an unpleasant collision) and regain possession some yards further down and on the field of play. There is nothing illegal about this action. You cannot caution the player for leaving the field of play without your permission, because common sense (Law 18) deems that this was a natural playing action that could not be prevented - and the player was not trying to cheat the Laws in any way.

Question 11b: 

• The ball is lying stationary, directly on top of the penalty area line.
• The goalkeeper, who is completely outside of his penalty area, uses his hand to touch the part of the ball that protrudes outside of the penalty area. 
• Does this infringe the Laws of the Game?
• In other words, should the goalkeeper be penalised for deliberately handling the ball outside his penalty area?
  Or should play be allowed to continue? Because as far as the Laws are concerned, the ball is said to be inside the penalty area (even though part of its surface is not).

Answer 11b: The field markings 1st paragraph in Law 1 states:

"The field of play is marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries."

Therefore, if the ball is on or overlapping one of the boundaries, it is still classed as being inside that boundary. For example, if a ball is placed directly on top of the penalty area line that runs between the touchlines, a part of the ball is directly on top of the line, another part of the ball protrudes towards the goal, and the remaining part of the ball protrudes towards the halfway line. So long as a part of the ball overlaps the penalty area line itself, it is said to be inside the penalty area. The same principle applies to the goal area, corner arc and touchlines etc. 
Although this boundary concept is not something new, it was only written into the Laws when they were completely revamped for season 1997/1998.

The goalkeeper in the above scenario has not committed any infringement of the Laws, as the ball remains inside the penalty area. This is how it has always been perceived, regardless of the counter-arguments that attempt to change tradition and the spirit of the laws.

The counter-argument focuses on the literal wording of the direct free kick offence in Law 12, that states it is a direct free kick if a player "handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)."

The Law 12 wording is ambiguous, but nevertheless, the ball must be seen as a whole object. The Laws have never been written to be applied apply differently, depending on which part of the surface of the ball is touched; that would be a nonsense, and completely unworkable.

Question 12: Why do you have to have a half-way line:

Answer 12: The halfway line serves the following purposes:

(a) It allows the officials to ensure that all players are in their own half of the field when a kick-off is taken.

(b) It is also important in judging whether a player is in an off-side position or not.

(c) It divides the field of play into two identical halves.

(d) It is useful for tactical moves and discussions.

(e) It indicates the position where substitutes can enter and leave the field of play.

(f) and it looks nice!

I'm sure that there are more reasons, let me know if you can think of any more. e-mail me.

Question 13: In cases of offside and place kicks, is a player standing directly on top of the half way line deemed to be standing inside his half of the field of play?

Answer 13: Use common sense, as there is no offence.

Question 14: During a game, it was noticed that one of the corner flag posts had broken. The Referee used one of the halfway line flag posts to replace the broken one.  Is this allowed, and can the game proceed without halfway flag posts in place?

Answer 14: Law 1 states that flag posts may also be placed at the end of each halfway line, not less than 1m (1yd) outside the touchline. It is nice to have halfway flags, but this is not a requirement of the game. The Referee used his common sense in replacing the broken corner flag with a halfway flag post.

Question 15: Are 'dotted' lines or furrows allowed when marking out the field of play?

Answer 15: Definitely not. The lines must be continuous and not dotted or broken.

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Question 16: A goalkeeper was seen to be making marks with his boot along the centre of his penalty area. Is this allowed, and what action should the Referee take?

Answer 16: Unauthorised markings are not allowed on the field of play. If the markings were made before the start of play, the Referee could caution the player for unsporting behaviour. If the marks are made during play, then the Referee could caution the goalkeeper when the ball next goes out of play. It is not permitted to have additional lines on the field of play for the benefit of the goalkeeper. There was a time in the 1980's when goalkeepers always marked the field of play by scraping their boot down along the middle length of the penalty areas, to give them an idea of the centre of the goal when they challenged for the oncoming ball - but this habit has now thankfully stopped.

Question 17: Is the area beneath the goal nets part of the field of play or penalty area?

Answer 17: No. This area is not part of the field of play or the penalty area. A penal foul committed in the area under the goal nets, by a defending player on an attacking player, would not be a penalty - this area is not part of the penalty area. If the goalkeeper decides to punch an attacker in this area, then this is also NOT a penalty (but don't forget to send the goalkeeper off for violent conduct).

Beware during corner kicks, of attacking players running into this area whilst the ball is in play from the corner kick, in an attempt to distract the goalkeeper. Any such antics should be curtailed. Players are not allowed to leave the field of play without the Referees permission. If a goal is scored from a corner, and an attacker has purposefully run into this area or around the goalkeeper whilst the ball was in flight, then the goal should not be allowed to stand. This action is deemed as unfair on the part of the attacking player and can be very distracting for the goalkeeper.

Law 12 states that "An indirect free kick can be awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the Referee commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player." But because the indirect free kick needs to be taken where the incident occurred, an indirect free kick restart cannot be used (because the incident occurred under the goal net and outside of the field of play and whilst the ball was in play).

Therefore, if the incident occurred outside of the field of play whilst the ball was in play, the only restart allowed by Law is a dropped ball to be taken where the ball was when the attacking player stepped under the goal net. Because the offence actually occurs outside of the field of play (under the goal net) - the Referee cannot award an indirect free kick outside of the field of play. The restart for any offences committed outside of the field of play whilst the ball is still in play is always dropped ball. The Referee can also caution the attacking player for either unsporting conduct, or for leaving the field of play without the Referee's permission.

The correct restart is a dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when the Referee either stopped play or where the ball was when the attacking player stepped under the goal net. But it is strongly advised  that the ball be dropped by the Referee straight to the goalkeeper, and does not involve an attacking player. This way, justice is seen to have been done, and play can resume fairly.

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Question 18: On arrival at a field of play, the grass was found to be overgrown. There were also some deep ruts in the muddy ground. The players and the team managers have already made a pitch inspection, and have agreed between themselves that they would be happy to play the match. The Referee carefully inspects the field of play, and decides that the pitch is not safe or fit for play. The players and the team managers - all who have travelled some distance - angrily approach the Referee to remonstrate about the cancelled game. Is the Referee correct to go against everyone else's view - especially as the Referee gets paid whether the match is played or not.

Answer 18: If the Referee had allowed the match to be played on an unsafe field, he would have been accepting responsibility for its condition, and for any injuries incurred as a result of the field deficiencies, even though all those concerned said they were prepared to accept the consequences of any accident. The Referee has a duty to closely inspect the condition of the pitch before every game The Referee must always consider the safety of the players. If the Referee has any doubt as to the safety of the players because of the field deficiencies, then he should not allow the match to take place. It can be very difficult for the Referee to go against others' wishes. My common-sense advice, is for Referees to rely on their intuition, it is usually blatantly obvious when a field condition is dangerous. Players and managers are always very friendly when they want something, but they can turn monstrously dangerous in an instance, if one of their key players suddenly breaks an ankle because of stepping into a deep rut.

In The League of Wales (UK), a goalkeeper received £20,000 damages because of an illegal substance used by the Camarthen local council to mark the penalty spot, scared him for life - so Referees MUST inspect the field of play properly and thoroughly.

Question 19: A match was being played on a flat level playing field, but during the half-time interval, a very large heavy fairground lorry drives across the field leaving dangerous and deep furrows across the playing surface. It is impossible to repair the surface before the second half commences.

Another field is available nearby, and both teams agree to the change. The alternative field slopes down considerably from one goal to the other, and the wind has now increased and is blowing strongly down the slope. Which team has the choice of ends?

Answer 19: Law 8 states that the winner of the coin tossing at the start of the game, decides which goal it will attack in the first half of the match - the other team takes the kick-off.

The team that did not kick-off in the first half, kicks-off in the second half. The kick-off for the second half (on the alternative field) is fairly straightforward and should not cause a problem. It is the selection of halves on the alternative sloping field that is the problem.

In this instance, the coin tossing ceremony had already taken place before the commencement of the first half. If the alternative field had been flat, then it should not really matter which half the teams played - BUT - it would matter if the alternative flat field was at right angles to the original field and the sun was glaring down towards one of the goals. This would give one team an unfair advantage in the second half.

The Referee can resort to Law 18 Common Sense: There are really only two solutions here:

(a). If the alternative field is situated in such a position, that both halves are the same. For example, both halves of the field are flat, there is no wind blowing from end to end, the sun is not a problem - then just toss the coin again before commencement of the second half. The winner chooses ends, and the team who should have kicked off the second half on the original field, kicks-off on the alternative field.

(b). If the alternative field has a slope, or one half is different to the other (for example, one of the goals may have a muddy puddle in, and the other goal area may be dry) or the sun is shining strongly in one direction. Toss the coin again for the start of the second half. The winning team chooses which goal it wants to attack, and the losing team kicks-off. After 22 and a half minutes have transpired, ask the teams to swap halves, and let the team who won the toss in the second half, take the kick-off.

This would allow both teams to have a fair share of any second half hazards. Of course, all of this must be done with the agreement of both teams. If one team is not happy about playing on the alternative field, then the Referee has no alternative but to abandon the game and report the circumstances to the appropriate league authority.

Now consider this. What would you do if the fields were swapped around in this question?

For example, the first half was played on the sloping field, and the team kicking up the slope and against the strong wind, had a very hard time of it. If the game now switches to the flat level field, and the wind disappears in the second half, the team who had played down the slope in the first half on the original field, will have gained a double advantage.

Advantage 1= their opponents had to play up the slope and against the wind in the first half: Advantage 2 = they do not have to play up the slope and against the wind in the second half.

But of course, the answer to this is a separate issue -perhaps you can provide an answer? e-mail me.

The more I thought about this question, the more complex the answer seemed. I just hope that I never come up against it whilst I am Refereeing! (from webmaster Julian Carosi)

Excellent answer to above question 17 submitted by Mike Sherwin of Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire, ENGLAND. Some very good points I had not even considered! (webmaster).

This question was asked at a recent North Staffordshire Referee's meeting England. The question then went to the Staffordshire Football Association who gave a clear answer regarding this matter:

Once a match has commenced on a given football pitch it must be completed on that very same pitch. If for whatever reason the pitch becomes dangerous or unplayable at any time after the commencement of the game, then that game must be abandoned.

The transferring of the game to another pitch no matter how near an alternative pitch may be located must not be allowed. The following list, details some of the reasons:

(1) The home team is very likely only to hold insurance for a specified football pitch where they usually play their home matches. The insurance will unlikely extend to other pitches, now matter how close by they may be.

(2) The other pitch is more than likely to be contracted to some other football team, who may rightly have grounds for a complaint if their pitch is used and/or damaged by another team who does not have permission to play on that particular pitch.

(3) In addition to (2) above, you will probably be unaware of any scheduled fixture dates or times, or training schedules of the other pitch. Therefore, in theory, another set of teams could turn up at a later time, possibly whilst the transferred game is still in progress.

(4) It is unfair on those other football teams within the same league who only have access to one football pitch no matter what has happened to their usual pitch.

(5) The dimensions of the pitch could be different, therefore, all things would not be equal for the remainder of the game.

(6) One of the two teams may for no fault of their own, be disadvantaged by the transfer of football pitches, therefore, the other team is likely to gain an unfair advantage.

(7) It is definitely something that would not be allowed at the higher levels of football, therefore, the principals should be the same for the lower levels of football too.

Simply abandon the game. It is the correct option to take and it would avoid all of the above possible circumstances that I have listed.

Thanks Mike - from webmaster Julian Carosi

After all that - I put the question to the UK Referee's Society I&P Committee in Jan 2001, and the official answer is: 

In view of the circumstances of the alternative pitch it was the unanimous view of the committee that the game should be abandoned and the full facts reported to the competition concerned. So there you are!

Question 20: Does the term 'goal area line' only refer to the line parallel to the goal line, or does it mean all lines forming the goal area (not counting the goal line, of course)?

Answer 20: The 'goal area line' (singular) refers specifically to the line parallel to the goal line. The goal area lines(plural) refers to all the lines surrounding the goal area, except the line between the goal posts, this is normally referred to as the goal line - but can mean the whole of the line extending from corner flag to corner flag at one end of the field of play.

The 'goal area line' (singular) is very often referred to when describing where to take a free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the defending team's goal area. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents' goal area, is taken from the goal area line' parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.

Thanks to Tamara from Germany for this question.

Question 21: Is it true that a goalkeeper can play anywhere on the field of play including the opposition's half and is not limited in his movements (other than when he is in his own penalty area where he can use his hands)?

Answer 21:  Albeit that he goalkeeper has special privileges and has to adhere to certain Laws when he is inside his own penalty area – as soon as he steps outside of his own penalty area he becomes another outfield player and is subject to exactly the same Laws as the other players.

"Goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel's Manchester United career ends with him going up for a corner, and minutes later, lifting the most famous trophy in European football (1999)."

The famous ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel very often came out of his penalty area to involve himself with corner kicks in the opposition penalty area in the last minute of a game whenever his team were losing by one goal – other goalkeepers very often do this, and it is definitely NOT against the Laws.

In fact, during Manchester United’s famous 1999 European Cup Final against the German side Bayern Munich in Barcelona - in the 91^st minute, United’s goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel came up into the opposition’s penalty area for a corner, and confused the whole Bayern Munich defence. As Schmeichel returned upfield, United’s Ryan Giggs crossed the ball to Teddy Sheringham -- the equaliser. In the 92^nd minute David Beckham takes a United corner, Teddy Sheringham heads down, and Oli Gunnar Solskjaer volleyed home the second of two goals in the last minute to win Manchester United the biggest Club cup in football. This broke German hearts and secured a place in footballing history by snatching a miraculous victory with goals in the 91st and 92nd minutes.

European Cup Final 1999:
Manchester Utd 2-1 Bayern Munich

It is the goalkeeper's privilege to handle the ball in his own penalty area - but he is responsible for putting the ball ‘back in play’ as soon as possible(within 6 seconds). The ball is deemed ‘back in play’ as soon as the goalkeeper has released it from his possession (hands) – it then becomes ‘fair game’ for anyone to challenge him for possession of the ball. As soon as he releases the ball from his hands, the goalkeeper becomes another outfield player. (The only difference being that if he picks the ball back up in his penalty area, an indirect free kick is awarded, as opposed to a penalty kick.)

Many thanks to Marc Mitges Oakville, Ontario Canada for this question.

Question 22a: Do you have any tips on Refereeing in bright, low sunshine?

Answer 22a: There are a number of things that can be done to minimise the effect of the strong sunlight.

Firstly, it is not recommended that Referees wear sunglasses (or a baseball hat. Although in some very hot countries this is accepted). The reasons for this are. (a) They could be a danger to yourself and to players. (b) Wearing sunglasses may limit your vision in the shaded parts of the field of play. (c) The sunglasses would have to be firmly fixed, and any misapprehensions about their instability will have a serious effect on your concentration of the game. (d) It is paramount that the Referee exudes an aura of efficiency and confidence. Wearing sunglasses will inevitably lead to players seeking amusement at the expense of the Referee. This will belittle the Referee and lead to a weakening his capability of controlling the game in an authoritative manner. (e) Referees DO NOT WEAR sunglasses. If you decide to wear sunglasses, you are asking for trouble.

Secondly, during your pre-match field of play inspection, if the sun is in a position to cause you problems (e.g. a low winter sun), adjust your diagonal to limit the effect of the bright sunshine. In other words, use the diagonal that gives least confrontation with the sunlight. The positioning of Assistant Referees must also be considered. An Assistant Referee looking straight into the sunshine will have problems. Consider moving the Assistant Referees to the other ends of the touchline if this helps. Reposition them accordingly if the sun moves into a more difficult position at the start of the second half. Strange as it may seem, squinting your eyes and using your hand (on those odd occasions) to shield your eyes against the brightest parts of the field of play, does help when looking into the brightest spots (for instance, when a throw-in is being taken). Tilting the head slightly downwards and using your eyebrows as cover also has an effect. These are all common sense methods that you can use to good effect.

Lastly, the effect of bright sunshine and high temperature will effect the water retention of players. The FIFA advice n this follows:

Because the balance of water in the body is essential for the health, drinking liquids during a game is not only permitted by FIFA but actively encouraged. The following rules must however be observed so as to avoid disorderliness on the field and prevent injury from missiles being thrown through the air.

(a) Liquids may only be drunk during stoppages in play.
(b) Drinks must be contained in plastic bottles and handed to the players on the sidelines.
(c) It is forbidden to throw bottles or other receptacles onto the field of play.
(d) The goalkeeper may keep a plastic bottle in the corner of his goal.
(e) Plastic bottles may be placed around the field of play approximately 1 metre away from the sidelines and goal-lines but only as long as they do not obstruct the Assistant Referees in the course of their duty.

(FIFA Circular 619) 1997

Question 22b: Twenty minutes into the game, and play is stopped for a corner kick. Just as the kicker is placing the ball, the Referee looks up and sees the No. 9 player positioned about nine or tens yards off the field of play, walking around and taking a drink from a water bottle. Before allowing the corner kick to be taken, the Referee cautions the No. 9 player for leaving the field of play without the Referee's permission.
Later on in the game, player No. 9 is issued with a second caution for a holding offence, leading to a sending off. Prior to the game, the Referee had told both teams that if they had wanted to take a drink, to go to the touchline and ask someone to pass them a drink, rather than them leaving the field of play. Had they done this, then the Referee would not have had to dismiss the No. 9 player for receiving a second caution. Was the Referee correct in issuing the first caution? (Question by Stephen Smith).

Answer 22b: (By Jeff Caminsky from Michigan USA)

Well...let's consider this from two standpoints: the technical, and the practical.

From a technical standpoint, the Law authorises the Referee to issue both cautions: the player DID leave the field without the Referee's permission; and the player DID commit a flagrant holding foul, for which it is assumed that a caution was warranted.

However, consider this: what is the purpose of the rule against leaving the field of play without the Referee's permission? It is to ensure that a player doesn't sneak off for some nefarious purpose (such as placing an opponent offside...or arranging an unofficial substitution that may or may not be authorised). It is NOT to prevent players from taking a drink of water --- especially if they're amateur players, and it's hot outside. (And...we don't know whether the team had any subs, or anyone on the sidelines who could have tossed the bottle to a player on the field; if they didn't...how are they supposed to get a drink?)

And what was this Referee communicating to the players by cautioning someone for stepping off the field of play to get a water bottle? That the Referee was protecting them...or to understand that everyone's sweating...or that the Referee sympathises with the players' plight on a hot day? No…....what the Referee is telling the players is (a) that he (the Referee) knows the rules; (b) they don't; (c) the rules say the Referee can caution the players for stepping off the field, unless they ask the Referee first; and (d) there's nothing the players can do about it.

What I'd rather communicate to them as a Referee...through my calls, my body language, and what I choose to caution...is (a) this Ref understands what you're going through; (b) he'll protect YOU; and (c) you can count on him to use his head, even if the players go brain dead every now and then.

Personally...I prefer to use my cautions sparingly, and usually to protect the players from foul play. I won't issue a "technical" caution if I can accomplish the same thing by speaking to the players. But in the end...if it's hot, they need a drink to keep from fainting, and they're too tired (or clueless) to remember to ask me (the Referee) if it's all right for them to step off the field for a bit --- well, it's not something I'd choose to punish.

Jeff Caminsky
Livonia, Michigan

Question 23: What should a Referee instruct  his Assistant Referees to check for, when inspecting the goals and goal nets before the play starts ?

Answer 23: The Referee should ask his Assistant Referees to check for holes in the netting, gaps between the goalpost/crossbar and the nets. And to check the staking of the nets to the rear and side of the goals. The aim is to inspect for gaps on the goal net that would allow the ball to pass through if a goal is scored.  The stability of the goal structure and any sharp edges should also be looked for. The line between the goalposts must be visible and of correct proportions.

Question 24: Whilst the ball is still in play - what action should the Referee take, if a direct free kick offence is committed by a defender on an attacker, right on top of the defender's own penalty area line. Should the Referee award a direct free kick or a penalty?

Answer 24: The lines on the field of play are part of the boundaries that they encompass. The Referee should therefore award a penalty kick to the attacking team. If an offence is committed on top of any line, it is deemed to be committed inside the area that the line surrounds.

Similarly: An offence committed on the touchline or goal line - is committed in the field of play. A throw in comes into play as soon as the ball is thrown back "over, on, or along" the touchline. An offence committed on the goal area line - is committed inside the goal area. If an opponent is standing on the centre circle line before a place kick has taken place, then he is deemed to be standing inside the centre circle, and should move outside of it before the place kick can be legally taken.

A player standing on top of the penalty arc line should move outside of it, before a penalty can be legally taken. A ball placed on top of the corner flag quadrant circle is deemed to be inside the quadrant area.

The only line where some confusion exists, is the halfway line. The halfway line is the boundary for both halves of the field of play, and it can be argued that an attacker standing on top of the halfway line, is deemed to be standing either inside his opponents half or standing inside his own half. As the benefit of any doubt is usually given to the attacking team during offside decisions, an attacker standing directly on top of the halfway line should not be penalised when Referees make offside decisions.

The same philosophy can be adopted for players standing on the halfway line when they take a place kick at the start of the match (and following a goal scored against them). Law 8 states that before a place kick can be taken, all players must be standing inside their own half. Standing on the halfway line during a place kick should be deemed to be standing in your own half. Most players and Referees allow this anyway.

Question 25:  If the conditions on a field play are dubious, and one team wants the game to go ahead, but the other team's manager is moaning about the conditions - what should the Referee do?

Answer 25: Referees should not totally dismiss a manager’s comments about the field of play before the game. Of course it is the Referee's final decision, but don’t forget, that the manager also has a responsibility (to the parents) to protect his players (especially if they are very young). It can be a difficult call for the Referee to make, and it is very easy to play the game in spite of inferior conditions. A Referee needs to take all the factors into consideration including any manager’s comments before making a balanced judgement.

If one team wants to play and the other doesn’t – then it’s the Referee's call. That’s what he is there for – to make a POSITIVE decision one way or the other. It’s only when a Referee wavers between playing and not playing - he will get himself into trouble.

Question 26: Should a Referee allow a game to start if it is snowing or raining heavily?

Answer 26: Snow and rain are not necessarily safety hazards in themselves, but a frozen pitch should certainly not be used. Fields that have become very wet or covered in deep puddles of water can also be dangerous. Football relies on finite timing, and wet fields can lead to the ball being 'held up' and players mistiming tackles, which in turn can lead to serious injury. Playing in the snow and rain is not pleasant, so those concerned may prefer to reschedule the match if possible, or wait until any downpour has subsided. Thunder and lightning are a very serious matter, and a number of players have been killed. The Referee should be prepared to abandon a game at short notice and get the players under cover during thunderstorms. Players are usually receptive to seeking cover under such circumstance. The Referee can also consider taking a break to allow the storm to pass over before restarting play - but this must be discussed with the captains under cover of the changing rooms, and not on the field of play whilst the storm is brewing overhead.

The first priority of every Referee, manager, coach and groundsman should be to ensure that the field of play is safe for the players. Referees, should take a quick walk within the field before each match to ensure that there are no hazards. The Referee is also prone to injuries, so it is in his best interest to thoroughly inspect the field before kick-off.

If snow has obscured the lines after the game has started, the Referee in consultation with his Assistant Referees and the team mangers/captains should determine what is (or can) to be done. The easiest solution is to clear the snow away from the touchline markings by running a shovel quickly along the lines. The Referee should allow sufficient stoppage time for the lines to be cleared. If the snow becomes too much of a problem, the game should be abandoned. The Referee should also be aware that players waiting around in cold conditions, become prone to muscle damage when they restart after a long delay. Young players must also be protected - they can not run around to warm up quickly like senior players, so it may be best to abandon matches involving young players. The prime responsibility of a Referee is to ensure the safety of the players - so he must decide if any weather conditions are dangerous to the players or not. It is usually obvious when this happens.

Question 27: What should a Referee consider when making a decision not to play a game because of snow covering the field of play

Answer 27: Games can be played safely on snow covered pitches – but there are a number of factors that should be taken under consideration before allowing a game to commence.

(a) The depth of the snow. The deeper the snow is, the more dangerous it will be for the players. The ball may not travel properly, and mistimed tackles could result in injuries to players making tackles.

(b) The hardness of the surface beneath the snow. The ground underneath the layer of snow may be frozen. If this is the case, the game should not be played. A combination of frozen ground and a covering of snow are very dangerous conditions for players.

(c) The substance of the snow. Playing on a thin layer of crusty snow will not be unduly dangerous. Playing on semi-melted snow (slush) will cause the ball to hold up on areas of the pitch – this can be dangerous. Playing on frozen snow should not be allowed!

(d) The temperature. It is particularly important when very young players are concerned, that the Referee should not play the game if the temperature is too cold. Young players do not have the common sense to keep moving around when cold, and are therefore more susceptible to the effects of cold. The wind chill factor is another consideration. It only takes a small breeze to drop the temperature down to a dangerous level.

(e) The field of play markings. The Referee should be able to see the field of play markings, else there will be problems when making decisions such as awarding penalties and throw-ins etc. Even if the lines are clear at the start of the game, inclement weather may cover them up again once the game has started. A close look at the weather forecast can help a Referee make a sensible decision.

(f) Visibility. The game should not be played if the falling snow impairs visibility. Even the smallest of snowflakes can be painful on the eyes when running about.

(g) Goalmouths. Areas around the goal where the goalkeeper usually stands are prone to be harder or wetter – or muddier – or bumpier than other areas of the field of play. Each goal area must therefore be given a close inspection before allowing a game to proceed.

(h) Changing Rooms. The further away that the changing rooms are, the more vulnerable players are if the temperature drops. There may not be any changing rooms at Park level games – so think about this also!

(i) The ball. A suitable coloured ball is much easier to see that the normal white coloured football.

The ‘bottom line is’, is that the conditions MUST be safe for the players (and the Referees!).

Mangers will be very quick to criticise and blame a Referee if an injury occurs under snowy conditions.

If, even after taking all of the above into consideration, you are still undecided whether to play the game or not.

DO NOT PLAY IT. (You are the one who makes the decision and ‘takes the can’ if things go wrong.)

Football is meant to be played on grass, and although a small covering of snow will not cause any problems, any of the above factors on their own, could be dangerous to a player.

And do not be influenced by managers insisting that the game must be played.

An easy rule of thumb, is to ask yourself:

"Would I let my child play under such circumstances?"

Question 28:  If there is a huge puddle right where the penalty spot is, where should the ball be placed if a penalty kick is awarded?

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