FIFA MA Elite Referees Course

FIFA MA Elite Referees Course

Monday, August 9, 2010

Clarification and Guidelines from FUTURO III Nepal

I had the great opportunity of meeting Neale Barry (neale.barry@TheFA.com) FA Head of Refereeing and Member of IFAB at the FUTURO III Refereeing Course in Nepal. All participants were given the clarification on the ammendment to the Laws of the Game 2010 and its implementation. I took the opportunity to enhance some understanding on the Laws of the Game and its Guidelines. I hope the following will be of use to all referees in Maldives and elsewhere:

1. Field of Play - The goals MUST be of the shape mentioned as certain manufacturer wants to make their own interpretation of this laws when the laws cited as "the goals may..." thus other shape is allowed. In this ammenment, only the specificallu mentioned shape is allowed.

2. Penalty Kicks - Feinting is in the run-up to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football. However, feinting to kick the ball once he has completed his run-up si considered an infringement and is an act of unsporting behavior and shall be cautioned. Guidelines on decision and restart are as in the book.

3. Players of same team collided - play shall be stopped for treatment on the field as it will be unfair if they are taken off the field of play. This is the same if the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper with an opponent is down for injury.

4. Stretcher bearers will only enter with the permission of the referee on the request of the doctor. One in, the players must leave on the stretcher. He will be cautioned if he does not get on to the stretcher. Otherwise, he will leave with the doctor when no stretcher is bought in.

5. Fourth Official assist the referee to control the match but the referee retains the authority to decide on all points connected of the play.

Other Clarification:

6. Drop ball as a restart when play is stopped for an injury. No whistle is needed when the referee is dropping the ball. No whistle is needed also for throw in, free kicks, corner kicks or substitution unless it has been held temporary to attend to an injury, caution, sent off or substitution.

7. Undershorts, if worn must be of same main color of the shorts. Tights, if worn may not be of the same color of the shorts. Law 4 does mention on the use of tights. (Please refer side-bar of this blog for clarification).

Friday, August 6, 2010

Feinting in Penalty Kicks


Feinting in the run-up to take a penalty kick to confuse an opponent is permitted as part of football. However, feinting to kick the ball once he has completed his run-up is considered an infringement in Law 14 and an act of unsporting behavior for which the player must be cautioned.