Question Number: 19673

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 7/31/2008

RE: Adult

amanda brown of edinburgh, scotland Scotland asks...

What would happen if a referee touched a ball an it went in the back of the net? Would it still stand as a goal?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes, it would be a goal. The referee is part of the field. If she gets in the way of the ball, too bad. (Of course we try to stay out of the way; some of those players have a mean hard shot that can hurt!)

A referee who finds himself getting in the way of the ball or players too often should assess his positioning on the field, to try to stay out of the way of play.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Amanda, the referee and her two assistants are part of the field of play. Just think of them as a puff of wind - and for some referees who are full of hot air it is very appropriate! It is not uncommon for the referee to be hit by the ball. As referees get more experienced in positioning they are hit less and less. An experienced referee will never put herself in a position where she would have a good chance to get an unwitting assist for a goal.