Question Number: 20389

Character, Attitude and Control 10/28/2008

RE: Compettitive Under 12

Molly of gurnee, USA asks...

The goalie for our team has had this season alone, four direct kicks to the face. One to the cheek, 2 to the nose and a knee full speed to the chin. One of the kicks resulted in 2 chipped teeth, a four inch purple bruise that covered the entire bottom of her chin. Not one of these kicks to the face have resulted in a card. The opposing team is scoring off these blatant fouls and b/c in atleast 3 of the 4 kicks to the face, the ref was standing at the the half. His belief in 2 occasions was she did not have control. She did have control until the foot and knee hit the face and ball. How do i protect her?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Suggest that she play a different position, as it is quite clear that she is prone to injury in her current role on your squad.

That, OR you could do your job and coach her on how to protect him/herself properly. I am a goalkeeper, and one of the most important things a goalkeeper is taught to do is how to protect themselves from being kicked by opponents. There are certain techniques that she can be taught, that don't involve her fouling, that would reduce the likelihood of being kicked on the face.

Playing so many years as a keeper and playing with the correct techniques, I was NEVER kicked in the face! I got kicked on my arms, my midsection, and shins countless numbers of times, but my face was always kept safe! If a player was deliberately trying to do this, then there is no way to avoid it, but assuming fair play then there is no reason for this.

I can't help you with your complaints about a referee because there is nothing you can do about him, except adapt... by properly teaching your keeper to protect him/herself.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A referee that is at the center line and calling or not calling fouls in the goal area is a disgrace and should not be on the field. You can report someone like this to the local referee assignor. That said, I agree with Ref Montanino. You must teach your young keeper how to protect herself.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

We can forgive a referee's inexperience but it is difficult to have respect for a lack of effort. Standing at midline with a whistle in the pocket while play is frenzied 50 yards away is enough o create wailing an gnashing of teeth on coaches who witness it.

I coach as well and while I know protecting my players from harm is also my job at teaching how to challenge or guard the ball from a challenge an unregulated attack through the player by disregarding their safety is something we hope our referee understands and deals with effectively.

I tend to think keepers at youth are more likely to misplay a ball when pressured and the players are less likely to understand the safety aspects of kicking a lose ball that is CLOSE to the keeper and determining when they should back off as the keeper is in contact with the ball and has possession to where she can not be challenged at all.

Keepers that drop or mishandle a ball because of poor technique are vulnerable as they lean down and forward to regrab what is NOW essentially a loose bal. The leg swing of any attacker is coming through and guess where the keepers face is? YEP , at knee level and body outstretched and off balance.

League policy must have a structure to monitor and train provide mentors and assessments to effectively fix the calibre of officiating and guide the responsible conduct of all who participate.
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 20407