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What should happen if at a corner a club linesman flags
05/03/2009
I can`t exactly see what your question is, but... If at a corner, a club linesman flags, he has obviously seen something that he wishes to bring to the attention of the referee. He may have seen an off the ball incident, the ball may not be positioned correctly within the quadrant. Club lino`s are given limited instructions before the kick off. He may be informing the referee that he has seen or heard something. It is then up to he referee to decide what,if any action to take. Please see my entry below about Club Linesmans duties. THE REF

I was playing last week and was in an offside position, the defending player headed to ball back to the keeper but it went to me and i scored. The ref gave offside! Then said although the ball was played by the defender i was offside and this is a new rule?
05/01/09
In a word NO..!!...Again, I can`t comment on individual games, without hearing both sides. However based merely on the facts you gave me, my answer is:- You can be in an offside position anytime but not committing the offence..BUT..To be offside, referees apply the word P.I.G..Whilst in an offside position...Have you PLAYED / received the ball from a member of your own team ? Are you INTERFERING with play? Have you or are are you seeking to GAIN an advantage. If you are in an offside position and your team member shoots, it DEFLECTS off an opponent..you will be deemed as offside !! Because the ball has been played by your own team mate and touching or deflecting off of an opposing player is not classified as "coming off a defender" the ball was PLAYED by your own team and not the defender. However if a player from the opposing team PLAYED the ball, eg. with a weak back pass or a header, you are not offside. Ok, technically you are in an offside position, but apply the P.I.G. AND it MUST be played by your own player. In your case, yes, you were in an offside position, but you didn`t receive it from your own team, mates and the ball was played back by the opposing team. Please see above "What is offside" above for more detailed reply. THE REF.

What are the rules regarding spectators drinking alcohol on the sidelines during a match at this level?
05/01/09
From a L.O.A.F. and referees point and "at this level" The referee has a duty of care towards the players, managers and officials on the field of play. If spectators from a club are or become unruly, for any reason including alcohol...the referee should speak to the managers or team captains and ask them to `have a word` with their spectators.  If abuse at any of the above continues or there are safety factors to consider, then the referee may and will have good cause to abandoned the match. He WILL then send a report to his County who will deal with the club seriously.  THE REF`

With current FA Respect campaign in place why do some referees except verbal abuse and some dont- its hard for Manager as seems one week its ok and ref lets it go but the very next week another could issue a red card ? Rules are same each week
05/01/09
I disagree, Its NOT hard for a manager. He should know that foul and abusive language should not be used at match officials, fellow team players and sportsmen..FULL STOP..!!.If they did not allow it...then you would not be asking this question or why referees differ from week to week.Like all persons including referees, we all have a tolerance level, when enough is enough or when a player has overstepped the mark. Out of 40 refs in Harlow, we did a survey and most referees had a slightly different take on when they should show a red for Foul and Abusive Language. The skill, is knowing the difference between frustration and dissent.You spoon a penalty over the bar and curse..!! I would tend to agree and grin and turn away.You bawl foul and abusive at the top of your voice, expect to see a card. Using either of the two `C` words, will definitely result in a red, we have ALL agreed on that.You get a bad tackle limp away and say Ouch that F*****g hurt, you will not see a red. Change to Didn`t you F****g see that ref, will in my book, be a card. The difference between frustration and dissent. You swear directly at a match official, I would hope you will see a nice red or at least a yellow. Like most if not all my replies on this page. The referee has to make a split second judgement call and then decide what action to take. Yes, we all have different tolerance levels, the same as constantly nagging and moaning at every decision a referee makes. Some will put up with it longer than others. The best answer to give...?? Don`t abuse match officials or fellow sportsman and this situation will never arise. THE REF.

If a player is in an offside position but not interfering with play and the opposition score an own goal. Should the goal stand?This situation happened in a last minute of a recent cup final. The referee gave the goal but his assistant raised his flag. After consultation the referee disallowed the goal and gave a free kick for offside. The team that scored the own goal won 3 - 2.You can imagine the chaos at the final whistle involving the losing finalists.
24/04/2009
I too was at that final, and know exactly your point raised. However as I have always said, I can only give advice on the Laws of the game and perhaps offer you an unbiased possible explanation. I again also say, that without speaking to the ref or seeing his report, I cannot answer for him/her.You are right..a player may be in an offside position, but to commit the offence, the Ref / Lino must consider P.I.G. (As explained earlier) Has the PLAYED / received the ball. Has he INTERFERED with play, does he seek to GAIN an advantage.? You also have to consider angles. However I did notice that the Assistant had raised his flag BEFORE the goal went in. Then lowered it to indicate offside. If he had seen the raised flag, he would have undoubtfully blown his whistle...and the play would have stopped, then the ball wouldn`t have entered the goal in the first place. The Ref didn`t see the infringment so had to speak to the Lino, mainly because the Lino had a different angle and had obviously seen something the Ref didn`t. If an attacker goes for a header and misses, he is in active play, he technically has RECEIVED a ball whilst in an offside position, but fluffed the connection with the header. could be construed as interfering, or seeking to gain advanatge. All refs /linos are told wait wait wait..see what developes...A late flag is better than a wrong flag...Maybe this was one of those ocasions..But neither you nor I was in a position to see what angle or who, what was interfering etc, only the lino can answer that. The Ref has the power to over rule an assistant, but appears on this occasion has accepted the lino`s view of the offence. What was admirable,and noted by all,at the end, Despite the result, the team took deafeat like good sportsmen should, well done...THE REF.

When the linesman runs the line why should he hold the flag in his left hand
11/05/2009
Assistant Referees should always hold their flag in the hand that is nearest to the halfway line.  This ensures that when play breaks back into their half, the Assistant Referee (when he turns to run down towards the corner flag) will already have the flag in the correct hand facing inwards towards the centre and of course so that it is full view of the Referee.The Assistant Referee faces the field of play and moves his body to the left or to the right by using crab-like leg movements to shift sideways, for the purpose of keeping in line with the second last slow moving defender. The flag must remain unfurled and visible to the Referee. Also, to ensure that the flag is always facing INWARDS to the field of play. This will give the Referee maximum visibility of the flag at all times. It is crucial that when play is going forward, the flag can be seen at all times.

During cold weather is it against the rules to wear a hat? (for warmth),, as i know some refs allow it but some dont
19/06/2009
Law 4 of the Laws Of Association Football (L.O.A.F.) Deals with Players Equipment, e.g.. Shirts,Socks,Shinpads and boots etc it also reports on undergarments being the same colour as shirts and shorts. There is no stipulation regarding the wearing of hats, some goalkeepers do, when facing into the sun. However hats may be worn at the discretion of the referee. Hats with bobbles, tassels, ornamental chains or badges will NOT be acceptable. Its a common sense approach really. Hence the reason why some refs will, some won`t, depends on the type that is being worn. Again to protect players from injury. THE REF

In a recent game, the opposition were awarded an indirect free kick in our penalty area for one of our players "obstructing" theirs during play. Is this not a penalty as it occured inside the 18 yard area?
20/08/2009
Impeding.  This used to be called obstruction.  Generally a players cannot use his body to impede another players movements, even if it is not deliberate.  This can be called if a players is not within playing distance of the ball ie. 3 feel and blocks an opponents movement or screens an opponent from the ball.  However, if a player is within playing distance and able to play the ball, the players can legally screen an opponent from the ball.  You usually see this when a ball is going out of bounds and the player whose team will get the throw in or goal kick, screens the opponent so the opponent cant save the ball.  The rule also applies to innocently impeding the goalkeeper by standing in front of him when he has the ball.  Therefore, it is classified as a minor offence and an indirect free kick is awarded, which have to be touched by another player, hence only direct free kicks in the penalty area are penalties.  The Ref.

Is it illegal to jump in front of a goal keeper as he is taking a drop on the kick as I did this and scored the deflection and it was disallowed?
08/09/2009
When a goalkeeper has the ball in his hands, the attacking players should not attempt to delay the release of the ball by purposefully running, jumping or standing in front of the goalkeeper.  If this occurs, the Referee should stop play, and award an indirect free kick to the goalkeepers team.  Goalkeepers should be able to control the ball and MUST be allowed to release it. So out goes the keeper flicking the ball up, and you head the ball as it leaves his hands. Cannot jump up, distract or impede the keeper any more. THE REF

i was recenntly playing and scored a goal, for my celebration i took the corner flag and used it as a javelin, it took me a long time to come up with such a celebration and was dismayed to receive a booking, was this the right decision from the ref or was he being harsh as id scored an important goal and celebrated accordingly
20/09/2009
Law Changes now state that celebrating a goal is still allowed, but there has to be a limit when matters begin to get out of hand. Players quickly learn to keep their shirts on, and celebrations will soon revert to genuine occasions of spontaneous joy, instead of amateur dramatics.  Excessive goal celebration is now construed as provocative and now must be dealt with as a caution and a yellow card for Unsporting Behaviour. Or prolonged celebration where players take an excessive amount of time to get back in their own half to restart play. Thats why you see refs and linos on TV split the celebrators up and pull them apart. In your situation, the referee decided on this occasion this was excessive celebration. There was no need or reason to pick up a corner flag as you did.

if a match gets called off after 20 mins can a team appeal and ask for the score to stand
22/10/2009
In the event of a match being abandoned owing to causes over which neither club has control, it shall be re-played in its entirety. In some cases a game can be awarded once 67.5mins has been played and the Management Committee feel no injustice will be done to either team.

If the penalty spot is basically a hole and the kick will be affected by this can you take the kick next to the spot as long as your in line with it.
28/10/2009
The ball must be placed exactly on the penalty mark, regardless of the state of the pitch. Moving the ball to a slightly different position, even with the apparent agreement of both teams should not be permitted. But I do believe in a modicum of common sense here: If at our grass root level - does it really matter if the penalty taker moves the ball a couple of inches to one side, because the penalty spot has disappeared under an inch of water or that it is on a sunken piece of ground. Well maintained pitches shouldn`t have this problem. However local council pitches are not perfect and again, the decision to move the ball slightly rests with the referee. THE REF

Is it against the rules for a player to call "leave it"?
11/02/2010
Shouting "Leave it" to purposefully cheat or cause an opponent into letting the ball reach you comes under the offence of Unsporting Behaviour and can be a caution offence (Yellow Card)..,However most of the time a player will shout `Leave it` `Mine` or `my ball` and it is clear there is no intention to cheat or deceive..A referee will also have to look to see if a player had been deceived by this. An example, a goalkick is taken, goes well over the half way line to a lone sweeper, with no other attacking player anywhere near him, shouts "leave it, mine or my ball".There is no challenge on him or anyone near him, no one has been deceived and the sweeper is not cheating. So using common sense and man management skills, I would have a quiet word. Now in a corner situation where there are number of players challenging the ball, then the referee must consider (a) Not Cheating but did deceive a player..Indirect Free Kick,,or (b) Did cheat and did deceive..Caution (Yellow Card) and an Indirect Free Kick. Basically we have to judge was anyone close enough to be deceived?, Has he cheated?, Caution.?, Indirect Free kick.?  THE REF

When should a ref blow for full time? Whilst playing in a cup match we were losing 1-0. We launched a final assault on our opponents goal to get an equaliser.The ball was crossed into the box, all their defenders missed it and it fell to one of my players next to the penalty spot, He steadied himself and pulled his leg back to shoot only for the ref to blow for full time.
30/03/2010
Law 7 of the Laws of the Game state - Referees are sole keepers of time. Allowance for time lost is the time aggregated on at the end of each period of play to compensate for time wasted or lost because of injuries, substitutions, time-wasting etc - this allowance for time is at the discretion of the Referee and must be included the end of each separate half concerned - and not totalled up to be aggregated on at the end of the second half only. Additional time or time added on is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half or at the end of any periods of extra time. As soon as a goal has been scored in "additional" time, the half is over. So say that you are in the 93rd minute and the Ref has allowed only 3 mins additional time, the game should be ended despite where the ball is or whether you are attacking defending or waiting for a corner to come across etc. The ref can now only go into 94 mins etc if he has to award a penalty. Your situation does seem hard, but the referee was completely within the laws. THE REF

hi yerjust to ask y our ref didnt turn up for sunday last fink it was stuart brown?chris penney our chairman refd it for us and done a good job even thou we drew 4-4 peter mays gpca res
11/04/2010
Peter, unfortunately I cannot answer this as i was not aware he didnt turn up.  However, should you wish to put your question to the referees secretary Lee Dorling on lee.dorling@btinternet.com i am sure he will be able to answer you.  Regards Kim

Should a ref Stop the game when a player uses abusive language, so that he can talk to the player and warn them, even if the oposition is in posession. we had a ref at the weekend that done this several times.
28/10/2010
Most definitely `Yes` - Using Foul and abusive languge on the field of play could be a red card, sending off offence. Could be a yellow card. This entirely depends on the refrees view if this was frustration, dissent or more serious and should be dealt with accordingly. If the referee, in his opinion the matter needs to be dealt with then the game is stopped and after the referee has dealt with the matter, should restart play with an indirect free kick to the oppsition. The bottom line is, why were these players swearing and using F and A language. ?? THE REF

Earlier you answered a qusetion about the term leave it. When i play i sometimes shout to my teammates leave when the pass i have kicked is not intended for them but the player behind them. Is this within the laws of the game?
28/10/2010
If it is of the opinion of the referee - that a player shouts `leave it` ""to purposefully cheat or cause an opponent into letting the ball reach another"" - Having said that, if an opponent is no where near or within playing distance, no one is being cheated or conned. If two opposing players go up for a header and one shouts mine, no one has been decieved or cheated. A player has to have (in the opinion of the Ref) been cheated or deceived. THE REF.

Say a team is winning 5-0 and the game gets called off late in the second half because of vilence, What would be the result of the game?
02/01/2011
Any team whom cause a game to be abandoned would be charged by the FA and be dealt with in terms of a fine, the League Management committee would then deal with the result which it could ask for the game to be replayed, award game to either team or deem the game a no result and award neither team the points with no replay. Any individual or individuals who caused the abandonment would likely also be fined and be banned by the FA aswell.

When is the best time for a referee to deal with foul and abusive language?. Should he stop the game immediately after hearing the direct abuse or wait for a break in play and then deal with it?. I know there was a similar question about the referee stopping the game and dealing with it - but is that the best policy to do that?. What has the referee been trained to do?
02/01/2011
Please see my entry above dated 28/10/10 - Your question is practically the same and carries the same answer. However I will add that the skill is man management - Is this directed at the match officials,?? is this frustration of desent.?? Like I said earlier. All referees have a different tolerance level and will deal with the matter how they think appropriate. The laws and our training state that ALL Foul and Abusive language IS A sending off offence,red card...End of...!!! But us local referees use a common sense approach and disgression. The bottom line is, don`t use foul and abusive language and the situation will never arise to be dealt with - THE REF.

Is it acceptable that during play a referee can stand off the pitch and talk to a club manager that is his friend, and laugh and joke while the game plays?
02/01/2011
In a word `NO` - this is totally unacceptable and not professional at all. You pay for the services of a match official and should be afforded the same respect. May I suggest to any team that encounters this sort of behaviour to contact your local League Secretary, who will inform the referees secretary. It will then be dealt with the referee being spoken to, have assessors attending his games for re-training, Could be forwarded to the County office or may even result in the referee having his registration withdrawn or suspended. Totally unacceptable behaviour - THE REF

what deems a pitch unplayable?
02/01/2011
A pitch is unplayable for a number of reasons, it is regarded a risk to the safety of the players or officials. It could also be deemed unplayable if it does not comply to FA rules ie if not been marked out to FA guidelines and finally if in interests of the ground owners or League the game being playing on the surface it could cause damage and render pitch un-usable for the following weeks we could deem it unplayable.

if my team starts a game with 9 players and 20 mins later 2 more turn up, do they count as substitutions or am i allowed 3 more subs?
24/04/2011
Your are to supposed to field 11 players and then can name five subs, but can only use three from that five. If you turn up with 9 players (putting aside HDFL rules), providing you tell the ref that you are starting with 9 and 2 are expected, that is fine. Your subs only count AFTER the initial eleven and full team have been fielded. However you must name the subs prior to kick off. So if you are expecting 4 players to turn up, you allow two to make up the full eleven, then the remaining two must be named prior to kick off even if they have`nt arrived yet. THE REF

why do we have to wear the same cycling shorts colours as our team shorts colours. we play in blue shorts and i have played with black under shorts for years, but i was not allowed to play on sunday because my colurs were different!!
24/04/2011
I sympathise with you on this one, because the majority of us refs agree with you. It is a questionable law, but as refs we have to abide and enforce them. Law 4 relating to The Players Equipment states that, if under shorts are worn, they must be of the same main colour as the shorts. If the player has a medical condition, I would question should the player be playing. The most common reason for under shorts to be worn is a groin strain and if this is the case the player should buy under shorts the same colour of the shorts. This has been in the Laws of the Game for the past eight or nine years. I cannot explain why other referees have not asked the player to remove the under shorts, however, the referee who did has applied the law accordingly.

Can the opposition team take a freekick while the wall is being walked back 10 yards?
13/05/2011
This is a good question that gets the grey matter going. There is no law that states that a free kick (direct or indirect) cannot be taken quickly. If you take a FK quickly and it hits opposing players, then that is hard luck. You have taken it and in basic language, muffed it. You cannot then moan to the ref that the wall was not 10 yards back. The point you have to look at here is is the ref ready. I personally, hold my whistle high and /or say to the kicker, "wait for the whistle as I am out of position" If he is pacing out the wall and / or getting the opposing team to level with him etc, then as far as I am concerned, the ref is not ready. My opinion based on what information you have given me is that if the ref is walking them backwards, he is not ready and they should wait for the ref to whistle for the restart. However as I always say, I am not in possession of the facts from both sides just answering your query regarding the laws and a bit of common sense. THE REF.

IS IT TRUE REFS SEEM TO FAVOUR THE MORE ASTABLISHED TEAMS IN LEAGUE OR TEAMS WITH CLUBHOUSES OR MORE THAN ONE TEAM IN THE LEAGUES NEW REFS NEED TO B STRONG AND REF HOW THEY SEE AND NOT WHO THERE TRYING TO INPRESS
05/01/09
Three points raised herePoint 1: Believe it or not, Referees are impartial in all that they do with regards to their match appointment. Therefore, I would hope that there is never the situation whereby a Match Official would be questioned over whether he/she favoured a particular club/team. It is a fact that if a person came into refereeing with this ill-conceived attitude, you can safely assume he/she would not last long. Yes we are human and just like players have venues where we may feel more comfortable but that has more to do with the basics such as the standard of the `Field of Play `(pitch) or whether there are changing rooms, showers rather than the fact that there is a clubhouse.Point 2: As a referee or a player, I would suggest that as a new referee or a new player to a team, both need to bed in, establish oneself, grow in confidence and get help by way of training. Strength comes with confidence and experience.Point 3: Of course everyone has an opinion, However, what it should mean is that a player/coach/managers opinion of a referee is based anything other than fact. Again I would hope no referee makes decisions in order to impress anyone, including assessors.THE REF

when the ref is playing an advantage ,how long does the advantage last?
05/01/09
In normality the advantage situation would last until an outcome is reached. By that I mean a referee will try and give ample opportunity to the side afforded the advantage to have a chance to take it.If they delay or `mess it up` their opportunity then that is that.!In real time, the advantage situation would only last a matter of seconds. You must also appreciate that the referee has the right to bring back play where the advantage comes to nothing in instances where for example, the original foul unbalanced the player fouled to the degree that he could not remain on his feet to take up the advantage.The referee may also choose to take disciplinary action against the player committing the foul in the first place after an advantage has been awarded. THE REF

on a goalkick being taken can a striker receiving it directly from the kick be deemed offside
05/01/09
No player can be deemed offside direct from a Goal Kick, Corner or a Throw In, On receiving the ball,  he plays on. If any player deemed to be in an offside position, recieves the ball from one of his own team mates, then he will be deemed offside. If a goalkeeper takes a goal kick which goes straight to an opposing player he is NOT offside.  However the ball must leave the penalty area for it to be in play. If a keeper mis-kicks it and trickles forward, a re-take is given because it must leave the penalty area. THE REF

How long is a keeper allowed to hold onto the ball? I am of the understanding that the rule is 6 seconds but during the season i had one ref tell me it was 7 seconds and another tell me that it was whatever the ref decided during the game.
05/01/09
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits the following offence:takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his possession.To answer your question in a bit more detail. The above answer is a copy straight from the LOAF. (Laws Of Associated Football). So the Ref that said 7 secs needs to do some more homework, again we are human and can and do make mistakes. Having said that, the referee has to allow SIX seconds when he feels that the goalkeeper has the ball UNDER CONTROL. So if a keeper parrys the ball and then runs and picks it up, my six will start from the pick up.  Some keepers tweak the ref by catching the ball and then appear to drop it..as far as I am concerned, my six will start just as he caught it...he, as far as I am concerned, has it under control. This may explain your last part where "whatever the Ref decides".    THE REF

Does a linesman become an official when he/she takes the flag on a Sunday morning and what support should they get form the ref when getting abuse from players or supporters?
05/01/09
Club lino`s are supplied by the club to assist the ref and as best as possible be (and majority are) unbiased and fair. Some club `Linos` do not always play fair and can be seen to favour their own side. Then again. some Linos are harder on their own team to show that they are not biased. The same as when a player /manager takes over the middle in the event an official ref is not there. Club Linos have no official status or powers. They are given instructions from the ref at the start e.g. Ball in and out of play and offsides etc. I ask that fouls,handballs and penalty decisions are left to me, as they may not see an advantage that I have seen. If the lino sees an off the ball incident, they can bring it to the attention of the ref, but the ref cannot act upon it, as he hasn`t seen it for himself, even if punches have been thrown. Same goes for the abuse from players or spectators. The ref can have `a word` but cannot show cards or dismiss unless he hears/ sees things himself.  If a player, manager or even a spectator takes the whistle. though.....he / she  has the full powers of an official referee and the full backing and support of the FA. THE REF

I understand that for a goal kick the ball does not have to be stationary? on taking the kick
05/01/09
All kicks, except a penalty kick are a form of restarting play.(Unless the ball is saved and or rebounds back into play). The ball has to be placed at the designated point where the infringement had taken place. e.g a foul, handball etc.  Or if the ball had gone out of play for a goal kick or corner. I am sure you have had a referee say "take it back a bit fella` or `another 5 please` The same as a corner (placed in the quadrant) or a goal kick (placed on the six yard box). Take the latter two examples...if the ball was moving, from a quadrant or the six yard line...it wouldn`t be classed as taking from the right place. A ball not stationary or not being taken from the right place, can be construed as a form of encroachment or unsporting behaviour. Remember, football is an ancient old game played by gentlemen. A stationary ball gives players time to re-group, The ref to get in a position of good obs.. However...there is no laws to say about taking quick free kicks, but even then..the ball has to be stationary. THE REF

What is offside?
05/01/09
It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position.A player is in an offside position if: he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent A player is not in an offside position if: he is in his own half of the fi eld of play or he is level with the second last opponent or he is level with the last two opponentsOffenceA player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by:interfering with play or interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage by being in that positionNo OffenceThere is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from:a goal kick from either team or a throw-in or a corner kickInfringements/SanctionsFor any offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.Decision 1In the definition of offside position, "nearer to his opponents’ goal line" means that any part of his head, body or feet is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent. The arms are not included in this definition.Decision 2The definitions of elements of involvement in active play are as follows:Interfering with play means playing or touching the ball passed or touched by a team-mate. Interfering with an opponent means preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or movements or making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent. Gaining an advantage by being in that position means playing a ball that rebounds to him off a post or the crossbar having been in an offside position or playing a ball that rebounds to him off an opponent having been in an offside position.

Can a keeper pick up the ball from a throw?
05/01/09
In a word..No.!! This would be construed as a direct `back pass` to the goalkeeper and is not allowed, the same as a team player directly kicking it back to his keeper with is foot.An indirect free kick is given (whether inside the penalty area or not) if a goalkeeper touches /controls the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw in taken by a team mate.THE REF.

am i right in believing you cant score direct from a throw in if nobody gets a touch on it
05/01/09
Law 15 states that a `Throw In` is a method of restarting play. The ball is in play immediately it enters the field of play. A goal CANNOT be scored if the ball is thrown directly into the goal. If the ball touches another player(except with his hands) then the goal is awarded. The only time a goal can be awarded from a `throw` is when a goalkeeper accidently throws the ball into his own net during open play whilst under his control. THE REF.

If taking a throw in is method of restarting game and goal cannot be scored- what is a corner? as you can score straight from corner cant you?
05/01/09
You are quite right. A corner is a method of restarting play. But it is a corner `KICK`. As stated in my earlier answer above, you cannot throw a ball into the net.A corner is `kicked` by the foot into retart of play and therefore can enter the goal either direct from the corner kick, or by deflection from the kick.Provided it was not deflected by a handball (except off the goalkeepers hands). THE REF.

In a recent friendly, a player was booked for taking on water during play. he did not leave the field of play, and nobody was sure why he was booked, and the ref wasnt being very helpful. could you clear up the rules on taking on water during a game?
05/01/09
The Laws Of Association Football (L.O.A.F.)  states that: "Players are entitled to take on water during a stoppage in the match but only on the touchline, It is not permitted to throw water bags or any other water container on to the field of play." Strictly on the set of circumstances you have given me, I can`t see where there is an offence or why the player was cautioned. The law states `by the touchline`, but there is no clarity in respect of drinking on the field of play. I can only assume that the Ref had seen or thought he has seen a player leave or enter the field of play without his permission. Goalkeepers take on water whilst they are still on the pitch when they retrieve the water bottles behind them.!! Referees are asked to use the common sense approach. Again, accept that my reply is given on your set of circumstances and would need to see the Refs report to give you  a full accurate answer. THE REF.

does the ball need to travel its own circumference at kick off or can the player score from kick off without another player passing it to him?
05/01/09
Breaking your two part question down. (1) Law 8 of the L.O.A.F. Which covers Starts and Restarts of play states that the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward. So no..it does not need to travel the full circumference. That used to be the case, but that law has now changed to `kicked forward only` etc. (2) Law 8 also states that a goal CAN be scored direct from the kick off. The Ball does not need to be touched by any other player. If you have that much of a powerful kick, try it sometimes.  THE REF

in a game last season we had the ref inspect the pitch before the game due to heavy frost the night before, the ground was very hard, studs barely broke the surface and there was still a patch of frost in the shaded part of the pich, the ref said it was playable giving us as reason of " well ive played games on harder pitches" was this the correct decision or should he have taken the players safty and wellbeing into consideration?
05/01/09
Firstly I have to say that the Referee has a paramount duty to ensure the safety of players on HIS field of play AT ALL TIMES. Hence the constant changes in the laws regarding jewellery, shin pads goalpost, injuries,blood etc. Secondly the field of play must be in the opinion of the referee `fit` for the purpose of playing the game, eg water, ice, snow, markings.. A Referee can refuse to start a game if the pitch is littered with dog excreta as with local park football. Some referees allow an extra 15 - 20 mins before ko to hopefully allow the sun to warm up that section and melt. It doesn`t matter if there is only a small section not thawed out, if it is considered dangerous than the game should be called off. In fairness, I cannot comment on that particular referees decision, but common sense should prevail. If I was not 100.... and in the slightest bit of doubt, I would not to play a game.  THE REF

Does Handball have to be deliberate to be classed as an offence?
05/01/09
This is yet another one of those grey area questions. There are factors here that a ref must use to assist him. E.G. - Committing a handball offence, Man management skills and the common sense approach.
"Hand to ball or ball to hand?" Nothing stirs the passion like a controversial handball decision. You've only got to look at players and managers jumping up and down enraged at a dodgy penalty to know that. A ball slams into a player's arm and one team is screaming for a penalty, while the others are claiming it was an accident. It's a tricky one for the referee to call in the heat of the moment. So what is 'deliberate' handball? In Fifa's Laws of the Game 2005, Law 12 says a free kick or penalty will be awarded if a player "handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)". Page 67 of the document gives "additional information for referees, assistant referees and fourth officials". It adds: "Referees are reminded that deliberately handling the ball is normally punished only by a direct free-kick or penalty kick if the offence occurred inside the penalty area. "A caution or dismissal is not normally required." However, the document fails to describe what constitutes deliberate handball, which places the responsibility firmly on the referee and referees' assistants. Former Premier League referee David Elleray said the referee's interpretation depends on whether the hand or arm is in an "unnatural" position at the point of contact Referees look at two specifics - did the hand or arm go towards the ball or in a manner which would block the ball, or is the hand in a position where it would not normally be?" . "The challenging decisions are if the defending player spreads their arms to make themselves bigger. Including trying to chest a ball, misjudging it and it hitting your arm."If the ball hits the arm then the referee must decide whether this action was to deliberately block the ball or whether the player has raised their arms to protect themselves - especially if the ball is hit at speed." The referee has a matter of seconds to weigh up these factors, and take the appropriate action. And there will always be at least one manager, 11 players who will insist they have been hard done by.  Sorry for the long drawn out answer. Like I said above...its a difficult grey area to put across in reply form. THE REF.