The Ball Boy Incident
A referee experienced an unusual moment during a high school game in Virginia. With under two minutes remaining, the stadium clock had stopped, as per local rules. The home team led 2-0 against a visiting team that had previously beaten them 4-0 just two weeks prior. The ball went out of play deep into touch, landing far onto the track. A solo ball boy, already holding a replacement ball, deliberately dropped it and kicked it under the home team’s bench, preventing an immediate restart.
Decision-Making & Considerations
The Center Referee hesitated on the complete handling of the situation but got parts of it right. The question posed to fellow referees was: What is the correct call in this situation?
From a rules perspective, NFHS guidelines state that ball handlers must serve both teams equally. If they fail to do so, intervention is required. Assuming the stadium clock was already stopped and the CR noticed the delay, the correct course of action would be to restart the two-minute countdown, add additional time as needed, and dismiss the ball boy. The referee should include this incident in their match report, ensuring it aligns with the Rules of Competition (ROC).
One key consideration was whether the deep ball clearance itself was a deliberate time-wasting tactic. If this was a pattern observed throughout the match, prior warnings should have been given. If no warning had been issued, then addressing it solely based on this incident would require a strong justification.
A Similar Situation – Time Wasting in a 16U Boys Match
A different referee shared their experience from a U16 Boys SAM Select match, where the ROC did not explicitly address stoppage time. The match became very physical, prompting early yellow cards in the second half, which successfully calmed the game. However, as one team took the lead with five minutes remaining, they began clearing the ball hard out of bounds.
After warning two different players, the referee made a general announcement that stoppage time was being added. In the final minute of added time, the other team equalized. While the losing team was frustrated, both coaches accepted the decision. The referee emphasized that the match was fun and well-managed.
Interpretation Under NFHS and Other League Rules
Handling the ball boy situation under NFHS rules requires a different approach than FIFA’s Laws of the Game (LOTG). Unlike IFAB rules, where the game clock is continuous, NFHS rules stop the stadium clock for certain situations, such as this.
A proper response to this incident should involve informing the home team’s coach and allowing them the opportunity to correct the issue. If the behavior continues, the ball boy should be dismissed. NFHS rules allow time to be added as necessary.
For leagues like NCSL, EDP, and State Cup competitions that follow FIFA/IFAB rules, referees are expected to track stoppages and add time accordingly. A general practice for high-level games is to add 30 seconds per goal, plus stoppage time for injuries, cards, and excessive time-wasting. The referee’s second watch plays a crucial role in ensuring accuracy.
How Should This Situation Have Been Handled?
The correct call, as discussed, involves several key actions:
- Under NFHS rules, ball boys are under the referee’s authority. While the home coach may be involved in team conduct, they cannot be formally disciplined unless they directed or assisted the misconduct.
- The ball boy should be dismissed and replaced to prevent further interference.
- With the stadium clock already stopped, the referee must reset their personal watch to account for the misconduct. If the venue has a visible stadium clock that runs to zero, the referee should clearly announce the remaining time before restarting the match. Time should only resume when the ball is back in play.
- The referee must document the incident in their game report, ensuring that the league or governing body can take further disciplinary action if necessary.
Final Takeaway
Referees must balance game control and fairness, particularly in time-sensitive situations. High school soccer operates under different rules than standard FIFA competitions, and referees must adjust their decision-making accordingly. Stopping the game clock when necessary, addressing time-wasting tactics, and ensuring a fair restart are all essential elements of effective match management.
This incident serves as an important reminder that time-wasting can take many forms, including outside interference. A strong, decisive response—grounded in the ROC—ensures integrity in the match and reinforces the referee’s authority.
Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Frank