Question Number: 16128

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/26/2007

RE: Co-ed, semi-competitive, volunteer referee Under 11

Rick Fokkens of Port Colborne, Ontario Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16099

Is it within the laws (or at least prudent) to use a drop ball when I can not determine what team last touched the ball before it went out of play on the sideline? ie my line of vision was blocked by player(s) or it appears that the ball was simultaneously touched by players on both teams before it went out of play. Personally I don't think it's fair to call a throw-in when I'm not 100% sure what team touched the ball last.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The problem with not giving a decision is that you are seen as indecisive. So it is neither allowable in the Laws of the Game nor is is prudent that you should use a dropped ball restart. The Laws say that if the ball exits the field over the sideline (touchline), the restart is a throw-in. Nothing is mentioned about "unless you didn't see who kicked it out".

So how do you make a decision? Confidently, first and foremost. Watch the players' reactions. If red seems willing to concede the throw to blue, I guess red kicked it out. You have to be careful with that - blue may be gaming you and trying to get all throw-ins to go their way.

If the players don't seem to know, or if both teams think it is their possession, you have to look at other things that were going on in the game. From the direction the ball was traveling, which player was most likely to have touched it last? And if you have to make a guess, you might be wise to make the least dangerous guess. Give the ball to the defenders. Or if you're right in front of red's bench, give the ball to red. Least dangerous can mean that you are making the decision that is least damaging if you were wrong. Or that will give you the most credibility.

You can also keep a mental "possession arrow" in your head and reason that you gave it to red last time, so this time it's blue's throw. But if you're getting several of these in one game, perhaps it's time to pay closer attention.

I hate being the only person on the field who doesn't know what is going on, but that happens. And when you call something the other way from what they expect, they will tell you. Although they may also let you know their displeasure when you are 100% positive that you've seen something and called it accordingly.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Rick,
Ref Voshol's explanation is first rate we often make a decision based on body language and reactions to some extent as many will attempt to decieve but you can error in safetey in the defending zone and award goal kicks or throw ins in favour of the defence when in the defending third at either end . It is why good ARs are worth their weight in gold but sometimes the ball pings around and it is truly a toss up just be firm anf fair in these incidents. Also try to get the positioning and anticipate the best angles to view play on the ball it will help you see and be sure instead of best guess! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Great answers so far! I would add that a dropped ball in this situation is unacceptable - you MUST choose who will get the throw-in - it may not seem fair but it is the Law. The dropped ball is only to be used where there is no other restart proscribed by the Laws, and Law 15 - The Throw-In clearly covers balls kicked out over a touchline and the stated restart is a throw-in. As Ref Voshol and Dawson note, with experience and observation, one can usually tell which team kicked it out, by the sound, the direction, the action of the players, etc. I like very much the suggestion to work on your positioning so it is easier to tell who kicked it out. It is not fair to give a dropped ball - the teams expect one of them will get a throw-in, and so the referee must choose.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Nope. You need to award a throw in to a team. Seek advice from AR or just make your honest best judgement. The laws are clear that a throw in must be awarded to a team when the ball goes over touchline. Sorry!