Question Number: 29042

Law 5 - The Referee 12/9/2014

RE: National High School

Andre hebert of Berkeley, Ca USA asks...

Late in game on a corner kick our goalie snatches ball out of air and punts ball to wide open striker on counter attack. Whistle is blown and foul awarded to us as other team had tried to impede our goalies progress... Can a ref let play run or is he 'compelled to make the call?'

Thank you

Answer provided by Referee James Sowa

Play the advantage! Unless there is some other reason (say your forward was in an offside position at the punt or a mass brawl is about to break out...), there is no reason for the referee to stop play here. The interference should be seen and treated as trifling.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Andre
The referee can play the advantage which would allow play to continue. However the referee nay have to take into account other factors such as retaliation, mood of the game, the kick was not executed as intended.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Andre,

The referee can always apply advantage on a foul. Sometimes the referee can be a bit quick on the whistle, and sometimes he may want to stop play anyway if he feels there's a pressing need (say, to prevent retaliation).

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Andre,
advantage can be played on any infraction or infringement once a ball is in play but then each situation is evaluated by the referee as to whether he considers it or not! As my colleagues point out the NEED to stop play sometimes overrides the possibility of permitting a quick counter attack or scoring opportunity. It is true at the elite level a great deal of pushing, pulling, arms across the body goes unpunished if it occurs away from the ball during these corner kicks.

The interference aspect before and after a restart are often considered as minor forms of impeding or as doubtful or trifling fouls. Only if the unfair action directly affects the play are referees calling these infractions. I have little doubt that a referee could blow the whistle at every corner kick and point out a foul of some sort. I also suggest that a referee be diligent in sorting out the excessive actions BEFORE the restart even begins. Not to cast aspersions on the referee in your match, for nothing is for certain in events unseen, but learning why and how and when and where to watch, wait and evaluate is a skill much desired in many but present in few until experience and wisdom and truth be told a bit of luck starts showing up in the decision making process.
Cheers