Question Number: 28939

Law 5 - The Referee 11/3/2014

RE: Professional

japhet kasililwa of Dar es salaam, tanzania asks...

when the ball is in play,and the attacking team is going to score the goal, i see the referee is dropping down to the ground as a leading assistant referee what should i do first?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi japhet,

The Laws state that if the referee is temporarily incapacitated for any reason, play may continue under the supervision of the Assistant Referees until the ball is next out of play (in the Additional Advice at the back of the book). This is so players aren't unfairly disadvantaged by having to stop play. So the AR on that end (or as a joint decision with discussion, as their angle of view may be poor) will need to make the decision on any events that occur - goal or corner kick, fouls, offside, goal, etc. A goal may still be awarded on the decision of the Assistant Referees.

The AR on that end should get the attention of the players at the next stoppage and attend to the referee. This may even involve stepping onto the field to get their attention.

If the referee cannot continue, somebody will need to take over - usually it's the 4th official if there is one. If there is no 4th official, it's usually the lead/first AR).

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Japhet
Referee Wright has quoted the advice. An immediate attempt on goal should be seen through. Anything beyond that requires play to be stopped and the matter dealt with.
Any of these situations that I have seen the referee has intervened to stop play which is a dropped ball restart.