Question Number: 19631

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/21/2008

taylor lee of , us asks...

panel,

i was playing in a game yesterday and the goalie on my team released the ball then the ref blew his whistle and said 'you're outside the box when the ball was released' soon after he relealized that infact he wasnt outside the box with the ball. he said the glare of the lights on the grass gave him some different interpretation of where the line was. so he started with a drop ball by passing it to our goalie. there was no fuss.. and he reffed a good game. but im just wondering can the ref correct a self error that he made and restart by giving us the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Indeed he can, and thank goodness, for most of us aren't perfect yet! As long as play hasn't restarted, the referee can undo any error.

If, for instance, I call a foul and point direction for the blue team, only to quickly realize that it is red's ball, I can blow the whistle, apologize, allow both teams to get into position and blow for the restart. I can do this even if the ball has been kicked by blue as long as I made the decision in my head that I was wrong before the ball is kicked.

Ain't this a grand game? And the dropped ball to the keeper was exactly the correct and fair restart. If the other team complains, I always remind them I will do the same for their keeper - 'nuff said.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

A referee can change a decision upon realizing it was wrong or being informed of additional information by the ARS or 4th PRIOR to any restart of play. A drop ball restart for an inadvertant whistle and a display of sportsmanship by the opposing team to allow the dropball unopposed to the keeper. It takes courage to do the right thing and look a bit ridiculous but an honest mistake acknowledged ONCE in a while can be better than trying to pass off a bad decision as one good for the game so as not to look indecisive.
Integrity and honour over pride and looks everytime!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The referee was right to change his mind. These things happen, sometimes things appear different than they really are and if we catch the mistake before the next restart or the point when the game was terminated we can change the decision.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Since the referee essentially blew his whistle for no good reason, the only possible restart is a dropped ball. The fact that he dropped it to your keeper tells me this referee understands the Spirit of the game as well as the Law. Good job all the way around.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

This was perfectly legit drop ball. Anytime play is stopped for a reason not mentioned in laws its the correct restart.