Question Number: 34554

4/13/2022

RE: Competitive

Shane of Limerick, Munster Ireland asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30189

Hi there,

Just a follow up on this question, has there been any rules to stop this as I have not seen anyone attempt this in the last few years or is it deemed as unsporting and not in the nature of the game. Thank you

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Shane,
there is no specific law that prevents a team from tactical duplicity just the STANDARD of USB should there be, in the opinion of the referee (ITOOTR) a smell to such actions which warrants intervention. The LOTG say such things as, reasonable behaviour, and what would the game want in situations that are slightly peculiar as the LOTG do not cover EVERY eventuality.

There is a list of reasons to consider a caution for unsporting behaviour within LAW 12 LOTG that provides instruction on when & why a referee could choose to use their discretionary powers to deal with USB behaviour . The two I left in are the 2 that MIGHT best apply to a situation that you describe IF it was conducted in an inappropriate manner.

# shows a lack of respect for the game

# verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart

Understand IF there is USB, somebody is going to be cautioned, so it is a big deal and thus it best be very clear what is transpiring! If the coach is the one doing the yelling he or she is not acting in a reasonable manner and as such would be warned not to do so.

Remember if a defender clued in and rushed in at the first touch he could be seen as not respecting the ten yards. This was why I was VERY specific on ball placement and conduct and if you reread my initial answer , the referee MUST be ok with the restart itself!
Given how often we usually whistle in corners due to the BS out in front of goal chances are we would likely be uncertain as to what occurred exactly so either we INDFK for a 2nd touch or we chastise the event and have it retaken.

NOR should a referee be approached BEFORE the match and told this is going to occur. If a player wants to place the ball on or in the corner arc and physically and clearly kick it. then walk or move away leaving it for a teammate. IF there was no subterfuge I might see it as in play and not worry if the defence rushed in or a new attacker could dribble it away!

I hold the opinion is a foolish move but then as a neutral official we let players make their OWN choices good or bad!


Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Shane
The old *corner not taken ruse* which has been doing the rounds for a long time. Probably not as much of late due to it not working.

In recent times referees have been more stricter in not allowing such conduct. In addition the law wording for all restart now states ** The ball is in play when it is kicked and CLEARLY moves** For this to work well there generally has to be verbal deception where the player coming from a distance shouts *Leave it. I'll take it* or words to that effect. The defender may turn away from the ball to see the location of the player who is shouting and be distracted from any kick. Plus the ball may not have been kicked or clearly moved,

That is a Law 12 caution for * verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart* which has an IDFK restart after the caution if the shout happened after the ball was in play. We do not allow players to shout to distract an opponent during play so it is no different here.

I personally have never allowed this and to me I just manage it as a retake as if I did not see the kick to put the ball in play then it is not taken to my satisfaction. If I think it is being tried or I am distracted by say pushing in the goal area I stop everything and it is a restart on the whistle.

I show this video in these answers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNj2Tsu8i-o

To me it is patently wrong and it only works because the shouting of the coach. What has it achieved. Cheap uncontested goal. I would not allow that to happen, its not in the spirit of the game and I would simply ask for a retake as I did not see the ball clearly move.