Question Number: 31108

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 12/12/2016

RE: club youth Under 17

alex gutierrez of corona, CALIFORNIA United States asks...

I was watching the playoffs for MLS and something caught my attention. When the teams went to kicks from the mark and were waiting at the center line, Seattle's team had run to the bench and grabbed their coats while Toronto's team did not. Does this not create an unfair advantage?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Akex
Nothing really in the Laws to prevent this so it was just players deciding to ensure they were best prepared for the kicks. Toronto decided that they did not need assistance to stay warm so that is their choice. Clearly a player could not take a kick wearing a coat.
Referee should not sweat the small stuff and this is something that a referee should not be concerned about.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Alex,
darn I thought we might win that one! lol . Nothing contrary in the LOTG that prevent trying to stay warm at KFTPM. It is -40 here in mid Alberta with the wind blasting I wish I could be warm! More smart than unfair I would think!
Cheers & Merry Christmas

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Alex,
The only part of the Laws that I think might apply is the provision that says:

''Kicks from the penalty mark must not be delayed for a player who leaves the field of play.''

Since, from what I can tell, the kicks were not delayed by the Seattle players' actions, I don't really see a problem here.