Question Number: 18293

League Specific 1/25/2008

RE: Adult

Melvin H. of Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A. asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17585

To follow up to the question about no one behind the goals (or near the goal area): Isn't it also common sense safety to leave the areas behind the goals empty? The farther up the age-group or league chain you go, the harder some shots are hit--try having fun when you, as a "coach"/spectator, have a missed shot coming in at over 50 mph/80 kph and it hits you "below the belt"--or full on the head--with little or no warning.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

People do stupid things every day. Why does Mom see no problem with letting her toddler wander up and down the sideline where she could be bowled over by a player or struck by a ball?

If a league wishes to make a hard and fast rule about spectator placement, that's up to them. The league would then give the referee the responsibility of enforcing that rule. But the ref shouldn't make up rules on the spot where none exist. Non-players behind the goal can be a distraction to the players, and thus come under the referee's authority. Non-players doing stupid things, like climbing a tree that isn't strong enough to hold them, are not the ref's responsibility. Maybe they are part of any caring individual's responsibility - at a stoppage the ref might mention it to someone - but it's outside the game.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I agree with you. Apart from being a distraction, it can be downright dangerous behind the goal. But as Ref Voshol rightly states, people do incredibly stupid things all the time

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

To those referees wishing to help out the natural selection process, remember saving an incredibly stupid person's arse puts him on the road behind the wheel of his pickup. How did you get to the match, walk through open country, fly or drive on the roads with persons who, through their own stupidity, aren't there any more...

Yeah we need to watch out for those who can't watch out for themselves, but only as far as the match goes. We do our job as per the Laws of the Game and local regulations. Being a nice guy and helping out beyond that is a good thing but remember the adult that repeatedly gets hit in the head with a hard shot still gets to vote... Where does the that's your problem not mine get drawn?

Regards,