JLYSL - Can You Beat This

Consistency is really hard to maintain. This column will try to describe why we need to be consistent in our calls, in our approach to the game, and in our thinking. We'll all see different actions at different times, but let's try to remember the Laws and have them govern our decisions. The following are all from Class 1 games, but I'm sure there are as many stories and issues at all levels of play.

An indirect kick for a handball?

A Center observed a collision amongst 4 players, 2 from each team. The collision was just outside the box. The Center observed and called a handball foul, but did not signal with a raised hand, nor was a direct or indirect signal made. The kick went into the goal, but the AR raised a flag, saying since it hadn't touched anyone, it wasn't a goal. No goal was awarded. The team who's goal was disallowed did not protest; they won the game by a good margin.

But what needs to be corrected here?

1. Make sure of your call.
2. Make the correct hand signal; if need be, instruct the players what the hand signal means.
3. Overrule the AR when a bad call is made, and explain such to the AR.
4. Remember: hand balls get a direct kick.

When to card and when not to card.

An AR observed a defender being beaten near the box just a few yards before the goal line, and as the attacker turned, the defender tackled the attacker with both arms around the attackers waist and bull-dogged the attacker down. There was a defender between the goal and the attacker. The AR raised the flag and waived it, signaling a foul. The Center called for a direct kick. No complaints from either team. But, the AR should have signaled a foul worthy of a card - the play was un-sportsman-like at a minimum, and a deliberate tactical foul to stop a shot.

What needs to be corrected here?

1. Calling the foul isn't enough; the AR should put a hand over the card pocket to signal to the Center that a card is warranted, and a discussion should ensue.
2. Further, flag mechanics would say that the AR should have also put the flag between his legs, signaling that a discussion was needed.

Let's end forever the push in the back issue.

Twice this past weekend I have been challenged for a foul call, when a push in the back was the cause of the foul. I explained to the challenger that a push in the back is always a foul.

Yet I hear many referees do not call this foul, and I can't understand why. A push takes an elbow, a shoulder, a hand - none of those parts of the body can have anything to do with ball contact, and pushing another player even when playing for the ball - with the exception of momentary shoulder to shoulder contact - is not allowed.

Call these fouls when you see them. There is no excuse for foul play being considered fair.

Chip Goodman - Bay Oaks