Question Number: 20749

Law 17 - Corner Kick 1/20/2009

RE: Varsity Boys High School

Steve of Vero Beach, FL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 20744

I agree this tactic is foolish, but we still have to deal with it.

The CR is a very good ref and he stated to me that he should have deferred that call to his AR. When I called him for a conference, I was giving him information. He, of course, made the final call.

In NFHS Rules, the correct restart for an inadvertant whistle is IFK to the team in clear possession. Since 'Joe' was dribbling the ball when CR blew the whistle, IFK to the attackers where Joe had the ball.

I am glad to hear that the English ARs have been instructed to to call out 'Ball in Play'. I will incorporate that in my pre-game and suggest to others when I am AR to incorporate it in SOP. It would solve such confussion.

The reason I mentioned ball being 1ft outside the arc was to demonstrate it was clearly moved. I do understand that there is no requirement of distance moved, only that it be kicked and moved.

Great insight on the cautioning if the 10 yards was requested. Great idea to watch for this.

Thanks again, you guys are great!!!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Without specific instruction from the powers that be, I'd be careful in announcing 'Ball's in play'. Unless your version of NFHS has endorsed this, you would be giving aid and comfort to one of the teams at the expense of the other. The ploy is legal, within normal bounds, so deciding on your own to thwart it would not be a good idea.

One other way to deal with this was brought up by Ref Fleischer a few years ago (no, this isn't a new idea). A coach or captain commonly will approach the ref before the game and say something like, 'We've got this play I want to tell you about ...' Cut him off right then and there, and say, 'If I'm going to rule on something, I want both teams to hear. Let's go talk with the other coach.' For some reason they're not so keen on explaining their trick to you under those conditions.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Thanks for update. As long as no powers that be decide this silliness is misconduct, we are forced, as you say, to deal with it. I likewise would caution you not to yell ball in play unless it's official policy for your jurisdiction. This tactic has been around for years. I'm surprised it ever works but, apparently, it does.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Party tricks are legal so long as they don't infringe the rules. If they do then party tricks are illegal. Sounds as if someone should add this to his prematch instructions so all will be clear as to which match official should intervene. I'm not at all opposed to a quick signal from the assistant saying all is well, you know the one arm thing-a-ma-bob. If the referee is of a different opinion the assistant should get his flag up.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I personally think that this is a useless play anyway. It is about as useless as the kick-off play I see many HS and a few college team's use, you know the one with the streaking attacker and the long ball into the space between the opposing teams central and back lines... which NEVER works, ever! But hey, at least that one isn't teetering on unlawful, except for when the attacker takes off before the kick-off...

Players will do anything the referee allows. It is up to us to only allow things that are fair in law and strong in spirit for the game.