We talk about “non-soccer” plays that do not belong in the game of soccer. Elbows to the head, challenges that endanger the safety of a player, such as over the ball tackles, spitting, headbutting, etc. In the 2 clips below, you will see similar types of violent behavior. In both cases, the action by the
Category: Video
Dangerous Challenges
One of the first things referees should be looking at when there are challenges on the ground are the feet of the player challenging. There are some indications that should raise awareness in these types of challenges. DISTANCE where the challenging player comes. Is that player coming from a longer distance or is the distance
Injuries
Soccer is a contact sport and injuries are part of the game. The growing concern in soccer, among other sports, are concussions. Referees need to be more aware of the symptoms of concussions and take more of a concerned role in recognizing them. Some symptoms listed here are what we, as referees, may see when
Teamwork
Teamwork is critical for a successful game in soccer. Referees and Assistant referees (4th official if allowed), must work together. This begins with a thorough pregame among the crew. This can take up to an hour but a good ’30 minutes can cover a very good pregame. For more info, click here. Once the game
Law 11 – OFFSIDE
Historically, Law 11, Offside has always been a controversial decision by Assistant Referees. The Law has also changed over the course of many years, as well as the interpretations, from even is on, daylight between attacker and defender, parts of the body, deliberate, deflected etc. But the Law is clear, to many, the easiest Law
Holding Outside and PK
This is an interesting clip with so many discussion topics: 1. The initial decision 2. AR mechanics 3. Referee posture 4. Final decision The referee does a very good job and waiting to see if the attacker is going to play through—advantage. But then the referee crouches over, like a baseball plate umpire. Referees should
Criteria for Offside
In this video, we can review the criteria for an offside offense and look at different examples of when an attacker is penalized or not penalized for an offside offense.
End of the game foul
This play occurs at the very end of regulation time. A good motto to live by that I have taught for years, “the game is not over until the paperwork is done”. In this situation, you can see the referee “stop” as he feels that nothing will happen and the game is over. Referees must
Passback
Here is a situation regarding a passback. A passback must have 3 criteria to occur. Must be deliberate Must be by foot Must be touched by GK’s hands. Let’s examine “deliberate” a bit further. In order for it to be deliberate, the defender must have control of his body. A defender off balance, being challenged
Shirt Grab Around Neck
The following clip has been a topic of discussion amongst referees. The debate is, is this tactical or is it violent conduct? What is tactical? What the book says it is a foul that breaks up a promising attack. What is violent conduct? It is really not defined in the book, but the difference between