Question Number: 17987

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 11/23/2007

RE: Competitive Under 17

Joe of Bel Air, Maryland USA asks...

Although I am a USSF referee, on this particular day, I was serving as a club linesman for my daughter's game. While observing play from my sideline, a ball from the adjoining field bounded into our field as play in our game proceeded toward me.

This happens from time to time, and it's usually a simple matter to retrieve the ball & send it back; but in this instance my estimation was that time would not permit this, and that the play in our game would reach the spot before the ball could be recovered.

In the interest of keeping play alive without interference from this outside agent, I made a snap decision to run onto the field (about 10 yards, and well in advance of the play) and kick the stray ball clear of the advancing play on our field. So as to avoid interference from my presence, I continued to midfield to stay clear myself as play went down my sideline.

My actions worked perfectly, and play in the game was able to continue unimpeded; but in the weeks since, I've begun to wonder if this was a gross error. While common sense seemed to favor what I did, would it have been more proper to allow the stray ball to stop play; or was I within reason to take this proactive action?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Joe. As usual, common sense prevails. You did what I hope any club linesman would do. You avoided having play stopped and you kept yourself out of the way. Had I been the center I would have mouthed "Thank You".

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I have done this as referee, assistant referee, linesman and club linesman. If by your interference you cause the match to continue without outside interference you have done very well indeed. The school book solution is stop play. The axiom improvise, adapt and overcome demands the action you took. Continue to use your head in the interests of "The Good Of The Game".

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Joe,
it is a risk to do as you did.
But then sometimes a risk is worth taking!
You will appear in a good light when the risk turns to your favor and proves to be a corrective measure that works well. I have seen a similar move where the AR ran in to get the ball and slipped and or miskicked the ball into a small child. Here those risks were not fortunately received.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

You did the right thing. In an international match we do not have to worry about this as only one game is occuring. In everyday youth soccer it is an issue and you used common sense. Keep up the good work.