YMTC #29 – Context, Consideration & Game Management
🧠 Main Theme
Context is everything when applying the Laws of the Game (LOTG) and Rules of Competition (ROC). Age, competition level, intent, and safety all factor into the referee’s judgment.
Incident 1: Throw-In Gamesmanship (Varsity Boys, VA)
⚽ Game Situation
- Visitors (white) score in the 3rd minute.
- Home team (green) scores twice early (8th and 11th min) and settles into a defensive grind.
- Visitors tie the game around the 70th minute.
- Several second-half injuries cause the stadium clock to be stopped repeatedly.
- Clock fails to stop correctly at 2:00 as required—continues down to 1:47.
🕒 Throw-In Behavior
- With time winding down, white engages in a pattern:
- Striker picks up the ball but sets it down.
- Midfielder repeats the motion, then sets it down.
- Defender finally takes the throw.
- Appeared to be stalling tactics to preserve a tie (non-conference game, no OT).
❓ YMTC Questions
- Is this misconduct?
- If yes, under what Law or Rule?
- What tools do NFHS or IFAB provide to address it?
- What considerations should guide enforcement or non-enforcement?
💡 Hint
- Similar to a prior YMTC involving a goalkeeper moving the ball between goal area corners for strategic delay.
- Consider whether this is time-wasting or unsporting behavior (USB).
Incident 2: Pre-Game Goal Inspection (JV Match)
🧱 Setup Details
- Ref-2 arrives 45 minutes before kickoff.
- Comms gear is set up; field inspection begins.
- Observation: Goals are 6 inches behind the end line, anchored to football uprights. Cannot be repositioned.
❓ YMTC Questions
- Can the game be legally played with this goal placement?
- What are your responsibilities as Ref-2 (or AR in a USSF game)?
- What are two possible fixes for the school?
- Why didn’t any of the 24 refs over 8 scrimmages report this?
🛑 Important Note
- This school is ineligible to host playoff matches due to incorrect field setup.
Incident 3: Team Bench Configuration Dispute
📋 Virginia NFHS Requirements
- Team benches must be on the same side of the field.
- Loudoun County schools refuse to comply—placing teams on opposite, diagonal sides.
⚠️ Pre-Game Conflict
- Visiting coach complies with a polite request to relocate benches.
- Home coach refuses, claiming county policy overrides rulebook.
- After pushback and AD involvement, benches are moved per NFHS rules.
❓ YMTC Questions
- What are the proper dimensions of team areas under:
- IFAB LOTG
- NFHS Rules
- How can referees mark them if unmarked?
- Why bother enforcing team area setup?
Incident 4: Varsity Benches Moved Back (Post-National Anthem)
🪧 Post-Ceremony Setup
- Officials return from anthem to find that benches have been returned to illegal positions—straddling midfield and 3 feet from the touchline.
- Confirmed that this was done on instruction from the school AD.
❓ YMTC Big Picture Questions
- Can the game be legally played under this bench configuration?
- Is it safe? Why or why not?
- If correction is needed, how do you enforce it?
- What post-game actions should be taken?
🧠 Key Learning Themes
- Enforce safety and field setup protocols even if met with resistance.
- Know when to apply advantage and when to stop play for misconduct.
- Confirm with local School or administration for norms which may conflict with LOTG or safety rules.
- Referees must be comfortable managing authority disputes with professionalism and clarity.
Last Updated on March 23, 2025 by Frank