Question Number: 12518

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 4/9/2006

RE: Other

John Holland of Birmingham, England asks...

Part 1. Should the Ref inadvertently divert the ball over the touchline who would the throw -in be awarded to?
Part 2. Should the Ref inadvertently divert a free kick into the net would the team taking the free kick be awarded a goal?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

1. The referee is part of the field. The ball went out on whichever team last touched the ball before it hit the referee. throw goes to other team. 2. Yes

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If the referee has the ball touch him and go someplace the restart of play goes to the side opposite that having last touched the ball. Be it a throw-in, goal kick, corner kick or a kick off.

The referee should choose his positions more wisely in future, he's in the way! Things would be better if he was standing in the center circle with his whistle in his mouth for all the good he is doing scoring goals and stuff...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

The referee is a part of the field because they are a neutral consideration. The blade of grass on the field doen't care one way or another which team wins. It is the same for the referee. As a result, should the ball come in contact with the ref's head, leg or bum, the restart is for the opposing side who last touched the ball.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 12552