Question Number: 28585

League Specific 7/9/2014

RE: Semi Pro Professional

Mark of Folsom, CA USA asks...

Watching a semi pro match Sacramento Republic FC VS LAGalaxy II. a throw in was awarded to the Galaxy and the person handling the throw in kicks over a cardboard section of advertising that surrounds the field to give himself additional room. Is this allowed within the rules? Theb center ref did not respond to it. The crowd did of course.

Answer provided by Referee richard dawson

LOL That is not something covered directly under the laws of the game so the referee saw no wrong doing. I think it a huge stretch to consider the impulsive action to gain some running room as an unsporting gesture or bringing disrepute into the game.

A referee can consider if the advertising banners or for that matter any condition in and around the field which by it's proximity to the touch or goal lines create a hazard and might endanger a player and refuse to conduct a match unless the hazard is removed.
I have refused to officiate on fields where grandstands are located too near and players could easily run into or slide into them if they lost their balance along the touch line.
The cardboard sign likely was a nuisance more than a hazard and while the advertiser might not be happy if there was a damaged cost associated with the action, chances are that publicity was likely beneficial lol
This is more likely covered by a player code of conduct clause in the bylaws of the league. Who is to say what advertising conditions are permitted in and around the field and what agency or department within the soccer association or field area are in charge of its placement!
FIFA is big on advertising as are all professional sporting venues so the ad money really does factor into the placement. Advertising protocol notwithstanding, FIFA has specified conditions on such things as the relative safe distance an ad sign could be or just what non dangerous building material that can be allowed near the pitch . I recall many years ago a player was injured sliding into a film crews camera and took out the ad banners in behind.
Commercial advertising
Advertising on the ground shall be at least 1 m (1 yd.) from the boundary lines of the field of play.
Upright advertising shall be at least:
• 1 m (1 yd.) from the touch lines of the field of play
• the same distance from the goal line as the depth of the goal net, and
• 1 m (1 yd.) from the goal net
No form of commercial advertising, whether real or virtual, is permitted on the field of play, on the ground within the area enclosed by the goal nets or the technical area, or within 1 m (1 yd.) of the touch line from the time the teams enter the field of play until they have left it at half-time and from the time the teams re-enter the field of play until the end of the match. Similarly, advertising is not permitted on the goals, nets, flag posts or their flags and no extraneous equipment (cameras, microphones, etc.) may be attached to these items.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
I would question such advertising board being so close to the field of play so as to interfere with a throw in. Most advertising is attached to fencing or walls that are immovable. Most times they are far enough back so as to not interfere.
I suspect here that given the fact that it could be easily removed the referee saw nothing wrong. Perhaps he even questioned the positioning of same.
As regards the Law on this it is a matter for the referee to ensure that the advertising is not within one yard of the lines and I quote
Advertising on the ground shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) from the boundary lines of the fi eld of play. Upright advertising shall be at least: • 1 m (1 yd) from the touch lines of the field of play • the same distance from the goal line as the depth of the goal net, and • 1 m (1 yd) from the goal net.
The referee should also consider safety with any short poles etc that they do not create a safety hazard for players.