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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 12498

Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/6/2006

RE: Premier Tournament Under 16

Bob of Litchfield, NH USA asks...

I had a situation as an AR this week in a U15B game.

The CR called for two PKs on my end of the field during the first half. On the first, the keeper positioned himself on the goal line as instructed and just before the kick took a small step forward. I considered this a trifling step when combined with the shot missing wide, I did not signal any infraction.

At the end of the half, another PK was awarded, I again came into the intersection on the PA and end line and watched the keeper. This time, he positioned himself about 1 foot infront of the goal line and before the kick took a big step forward so that when the kick was made, he was about 4 feet from the line. He saved the shot and I raised my flag as I was instructed during the pre-game. CR awarded a re-take and on this attempt a goal was scored. The keepers coach went nuts (predictably). The keeper admitted he jumped.

During half time, the other AR, a grade 05, warned me to be VERY carefull on making that call, especially as the games get more serious.

My question is, where to draw the line between trifling and something that should be called in this situation. Had the shot gone in or wide, I would not have signalled, but since the keeper made the diving save, I did signal.

Any help you can be would be great !!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

My opinion, you acted properly each time. You might want to ask the CR what he thinks is trifling before the game. When I go over this with my ARs in pregame I tell them a step is ok. 4 feet is NOT ok and the flag came up as it should have. Good work!



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Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

It sounds that you acted in accordance with the pre-game instructions and you therefore performed your duties as required and directed by the referee. Case closed. What I hear in the advice from the Grade 5 AR is a different OPINION as to what constitutes an infraction in this regard. As you become more experienced as a referee you may find that your ability to incorporate multiple factors into the decision making process helps you in discerning those times when the GK should - versus - should not be penalized. This is all part of the learning process and your willingness to ask the questions speaks well for you. With more game experience you will become more comfortable with what YOU find to be acceptable or not. Keep at it and good luck. All the best,



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Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

As Ref Lacy advises, your ability to understand the nuances of the Spirit of the Game comes with experience. The Law tells us one thing and our experience and the actions of other referees usually tell us something entirely different. When your gut tells you the keeper cheated to stop a penalty kick from going in you HAD BETTER put an end to that cheating. You make sure the side, harmed by the original foul play, has fairly taken penalty kick. It is not a retake, per say, but a fairly taken penalty.

Semantics. No, not semantics just making sure you're not the cause of harm to one side or the other. That's what you're there for. This requires a ton of brass ones and twice as much courage. I tell my assistants to use this guidance: If you think the keeper cheated to stop a penalty kick, tell me. If I wave you off, you did your job and I just had a different opinion. If it happens again and you don't tell me you failed... Don't do that...

Regards,



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