Question Number: 14785

Character, Attitude and Control 2/2/2007

Jon of London, UK asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14765

Sorry Nathan, badly worded on my part. When i said "through on goal" I was actually aluding to the fact that the striker was one on one with the keeper, running straight at goal therefore DOGSO arised. The ball was removed from the strikers posession by the keeper.

But absolutely top point. Had the ball fallen back to striker or team mate, arms would have been thrusted forward accompagnied by a very very loud PLAY ON ADVANTAGE once the assisstant's flag had been raised! After the goal had been scored, then I would have consulted as to why the flag was up and cautioned for USB. Personally get no more satisfaction than apply the advantage law that leads to a goal. Much prefer 22 players on my FOP than have to lose a keeper....we just have to look at last season European Cup Final for an example of a premature whistle that had the referee watched a millie second more would have allowed this prestigious final to be 11 v 11 rather than lose Jens Lehman early on.

Leading on to a completely different point of WAIT!! younger grass roots ref: PLEASE DONT LISTEN TO WHAT THE COMMENTATORS SAY!!! Often you will hear, "A very late flag" or "That whistle was so late" which infuriates me. The CR and AR are clearly waiting to quickly see the development of play. I always say in my head before i blow 'Advantage?' and by the time you have said it, you will know where the ball is going and can shout advantage or give that whistle a blow.

Guys this website is top draw for learning. Young referees should use this place as frequently as possible.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jon,
we appreciate the kind words! we either chuckle or else bite our tongues when the commentators expound the bloopers. Perception is coloured with the flagrant misconceptions that blur the reality and the finality of any situation to make a point of pointlessness or muddy the waters of the beautiful game!!
cheers

Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

Sounds great and I appreciate the clarification. Also, thanks for the kind words. Now, I'm off to babysit, I mean REFEREE, some 16 year old boys. Cold. Rainy. Kinda sounds like London - LOL. All the best,