Instructional

Video Clip 3: Chicago at New York (2:00)

Keeping in mind the directives above, while watching the video clip, ask yourself:

Is the goalkeeper in the “act of distribution?”
In this situation, the goalkeeper is in the process of throwing the ball away.

Is the player close to the goalkeeper?
The player’s relative closeness (three yards) to the goalkeeper increases the likelihood of his interfering with the release of the ball into play.

What is the player’s intent?
Why is the player interposing his body in front of the goalkeeper? Why does the player jump up upon the release of the ball? Why does the player slow down in front of the goalkeeper instead of merely running by him?

Referee awareness and positioning is critical in situations when the goalkeeper has possession of the ball and opponents are in the vicinity. Referees must not turn their back to the ball while moving up field for the next phase of play. It is also vitally important to read the situation. The actions of the attacker to slow down and position himself in the path of the goalkeeper should be an immediate warning that something more may occur.

Given that this offense occurred in the third minute, the referee could have used the foul to set the tone for the match and indicate that he is aware of gamesmanship. The modern game lends itself to quick distributions on the part of the goalkeeper when he is in possession of the ball because he has unlimited steps (not unlimited time) to quickly move to the top of the penalty area to initiate an attack. Defending teams realize this and will look for opportunities to impede his progress and slow him down.

In this case, the referee should award an indirect free kick to the goalkeeper’s team for preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands (Law 12). A caution is not mandated in this case.

Video Clip 5: Galaxy at Dallas (29:37, second half)

This is a clear example of a two footed tackle that is intended to injure an opponent. There is no intent to play the ball and it is being committed to “send a message.” In no uncertain terms, referees must punish this type of behavior with a red card (violent conduct). In this case, the defender may feel more confident in his attempted tackle because it is directly in front of his team bench and feel that the pressure from the bench will force the referee to forgo the red card. Fortunately for the game, the referee has the courage to take the appropriate action and red card the defender.

Because of the foul’s proximity to the team benches, the tackle turns into several different confrontations. The focus of this clip is, however, the tackle and not the ancillary actions. But, it is important to mention:

The referee should pull the red card as quickly as possible thereby communicating he is taking official action. The hope is that seeing the immediate red card, the players will temper their response to the foul.
The assistant referee should try to move to the situation quicker.
The fourth official’s rapid intervention helped to prevent further escalation.
It is recommended that when mass confrontation (several players surrounding the referee) occurs, the referee should ensure he sends an appropriate message that such conduct will not be tolerated. Referees should consider a yellow card in this situation. The issue of “mass confrontation” will be addressed in a future edition of the “Referee Week in Review.”
The team of officials should attempt to channel or escort the involved players away from each other and, preferably, to a position on the field away from the benches and the original confrontation.
When a red carded player is escorted from the field, in front of the opponent’s bench, the referee team must have heightened awareness that further confrontations may arise.
When viewing the tackle above, aside from a determination that the tackler is “using excessive force and is in danger of injuring his opponent,” apply the following six criteria when deciding whether the tackle is merely cautionable or should result in a red card:

Speed of play and the tackle
The speed at which the attacker and the tackler are running at the time and the force of the tackle. The faster the tackler is moving, the greater the force.


Intent
Is the tackler’s intent to take the player out and “send a message?”


Aggressive nature of the tackle
Lunging, distance from ball/opponent when the tackle was initiated, cleats exposed.

Position of the tackler
In particular, the legs of the attacker and the direction from which the tackle was initiated – from behind, straight on.

Opportunity to play the ball
Given the factors above, does the tackler have a chance to play the ball? Where is the position of the ball relative to the timing of the tackle?


Atmosphere of the game
Consider the overall spirit in which the match has been played. Look at the “big picture” and determine how your decision will impact the way the remaining game time is played.