As a soccer player or fan, you've probably witnessed a moment when the ball unexpectedly collides with a referee on the field. It's a rare occurrence, but it can significantly impact the flow of the game. So, what exactly happens when the ball hits a referee according to the Laws of the Game? Let's dive into the intricacies of Law 9 and uncover the untold secrets that every soccer enthusiast should know.
The Ball In and Out of Play
First, let's establish the basics. Law 9 of the Laws of the Game defines when the ball is in and out of play. The ball is considered out of play when it has wholly passed over the goal line or touchline, either on the ground or in the air, or when play has been stopped by the referee. Simple enough, right? But here's where it gets interesting.
The Referee's Touch
When the ball touches a match official, remains on the field of play, and one of the following occurs:
- A team starts a promising attack
- The ball goes directly into the goal
- The team in possession of the ball changes
In these cases, play is restarted with a dropped ball. This means that the referee will stop play and drop the ball at the point where it touched the match official, allowing the team that last touched the ball to regain possession.
The Exceptions
However, there are instances when the ball touching a match official doesn't result in a dropped ball. If the ball rebounds off a goalpost, crossbar, or corner flagpost and remains on the field of play after touching a match official, the game continues as normal. The ball is still in play, and the teams should proceed with the game.
The Importance of Positioning
Referees are trained to position themselves strategically on the field to minimize the chances of interfering with play. They strive to be in the right place at the right time, anticipating the movement of the ball and the players. However, even with the best intentions, accidents can happen, and the ball may inadvertently strike a referee.
The Dropped Ball Procedure
When a dropped ball is necessary, the referee will stop play and drop the ball at the point where it touched the match official. The team that last touched the ball before it hit the referee will be awarded possession. It's important to note that the dropped ball is not a contested drop, meaning that only one player from the team awarded possession can participate in the restart.
Common Questions
To further clarify the intricacies of Law 9, let's address some common questions:
Q: What happens if the ball touches a referee outside the penalty area and bounces back towards the goal, resulting in the goalkeeper handling the ball to prevent a goal?
A: The referee will stop play and award a dropped ball to the goalkeeper's team at the point where the ball touched the referee.
Q: Is the ball in play if it rebounds off an assistant referee?
A: The ball is out of play if it touches a match official, remains on the field of play, and one of the three scenarios mentioned earlier occurs. Otherwise, the ball is still in play.
Q: What if a player kicks the ball, it hits the referee, and leaves the field by the goal line or touchline?
A: In this case, a goal kick or throw-in will be awarded to the opponents, as play restarts as if the ball had not touched the referee.
The Spirit of the Game
While the Laws of the Game provide a clear framework for handling situations when the ball hits a referee, it's essential to remember the spirit of the game. Referees are human, and accidents can happen. Players and coaches should respect the decisions made by the officials and focus on playing the game with fairness and sportsmanship.
The Takeaway
Understanding what happens when the ball hits a referee according to Law 9 is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike. It's not just about knowing the rules; it's about appreciating the nuances of the game and the critical role that referees play in ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all involved. So, the next time you witness the ball striking a referee, you'll know exactly what to expect and can focus on the beauty of the game itself.
