I love HKReferee!

This title is not a gag in any way. HKRef is IMHO one of the best football referee bloggers out there today. His analytical style wrapped in thought provoking comments are always a worth read.

One of his latest, Trendsetting: Referee Shirts, is no exception and in a single article hits on several interesting  and funny points.

I would strongly recommend taking a look as it sets up what may be coming our way soon.

I have to say honestly that regarding uniform, I am a big fan of the basic black, long sleeve jersey. While I do like a flourish or two regarding them (e.g. buttoned cuffs) going too far outside of that just does not do it for me.

One of these days I will commission a study to correlate favorite referee jersey style and color to refereeing style. I think the results would be fascinating.

Safety First + Hat Tip To HK Referee

So on this long weekend in the US, we completed our outdoor season. We were treated to an excellent match on the road, and while we did not come away with the win, the match was a microcosm of everything the boys learned over their playing careers to day. They executed very, very well as a group of 11 year olds.

There was one incident though that was of concern. In the 40' a keeper saved a ball, it rebounded into play, was shot again, and knock the keeper in the head - HARD.

The ball careened back into play and the referee allowed play to continue, despite the keeper being down, motionless, on the ground. It was a little bit scary frankly as we were unsure about the players condition.

Play was eventually stopped a minute or so later, and the coaches allowed to enter, after being admonished by the SAR to not enter into the field with out permission (technically correct, but practically wrong at the U11 level with a head injury), and all was fine after a throughout checkover by a medical professional.

So, what's the lessons for this youth level match?

1. For a head injury to a player, stop play, and immediately let the coaches enter. Let them deal with the injury. DO NOT assist (medically) an injured player.
2. If you are an AR, allow this entry to happen right away. Have the guts to take the heat from someone (like an assessor) who is dumb enough to challenge you on this point at the youth level.
3. Know thy restart. A player was attended to, do they need to come out? Was the ball out of play? Are there any special circumstances for the keeper? Know these first, as in my scenario, there was a 2 minute discussion between the referee and ARs over what should happen. Restarts need to be automatic at all levels ... yes even U11.

Player safety is a concern at all levels. Granted at the professional and international levels there is gamesmanship that is used, and the injuries can be much more serious.

Keep in mind too that a referee is responsible for ALL the participants safety. There is no more clear example of this shown recently by Hong Kong Referee with his piece, An Explosion On The Soccer Pitch.

It is an excellent post. For those who do not read HK Referee, I strongly suggest you do, as the skill shown in breaking down critical incidents is top shelf.

While we're on the topic ...

... of Law 12 and things the GK can not do. The first of course being from "6 Second Mania", here is bullet (3) from the law:


Indirect free kick

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offenses:

• touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate

(Other 3 bullets omitted)

This one came up recently in Euro 2012 between Portugal and Spain, and a spectacular analysis was  performed by HK referee, which can be read at Backpass Has To Be Deliberate Kick To Keeper.

A must read!

I am 'outta here ...

... for about a week on business.

I will be in Asia, so in the spirit I have been catching up on the Hong Kong Referee blog. It continues to be a very precise rendering of refereeing topics, and does not disappoint.

Take a peek ... it's worth it.

Will be back next week with more ... but who knows JAFO and Nigel may just jump in as well.

Thanks for reading,
PK

Referee's to blame?

CFA Chief says China Referees to Blame for Bad Reputation

Comments from Wei Di, chief of the Chinese Football Association, raised eyebrows prior to the friendly international match between China and Iran on Friday 2 September 2010 at the Tianhe Stadium in China. ...

See the full post here courtesy of HK Referee.