Question Number: 19572

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 7/5/2008

RE: Rec Under 14

marg of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

During a game today our defence were trying to clear the ball out of our area and one of the backs got a good ball and kicked it straight upfield. Unfortunately, it hit the ref in the shins (he was moving into the centre of the field), bounced straight back into our area and was immediately picked up by an opposition player, who scored.
My team complained that it was unfair (only afterwards, they were very mature about it on the field) and I wasn't exactly sure what the correct course of action should have been. Can someone enlighten me?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

It is a fact of play the referee is part of the field and playing conditions. The ball striking the referee is no different than the ball hitting the corner flag, goal post or crossbar. As long as the ball is on the field it remains in play.
Do not clear the ball at the referee and expect him to always get out of the way.A referee will certainly try to avoid the ball when possible as we have no wish to interfere but a lucky break for your opponents and unlucky break for you is all this event is.

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The referee is part of the field. There's nothing 'unfair' about the ball hitting the referee. Things happen. Your team could just as easily have played the ball. Referees will always try to avoid the ball. As a good rule, don't kick the ball at the referee.