SOCCER

ON THE FRINGE

No Defined Number Defines Persistent Infringement

Steve Lane, Garden Grove, Calif., can manage a match successfully if he deals with players who consistently violate, or infringe, the rules/Laws of the game. This may require a discussion with a player to avoid such offenses escalating into persistent infringement.

By George Wilhelmsen

Persistent infringement of the rules/Laws is one of the tools in the referee’s match-control kit. When used properly, penalizing for persistent infringement can be used to maintain both the safety and fairness of the match.

NFHS and NCAA rules define persistent infringement as “persistently infringing upon any of the rules of the game.” It is similarly defined in the IFAB Laws as “persistent offenses (no specific number or pattern of offenses constitutes ‘persistent.’)”

To better understand how to use the persistent infringement tool, the following are examples of when to penalize for persistent infringement:

Play 1: B1 is a starter in the match and has a reputation as a playmaker and top scorer. Team A clearly knows this and has been targeting B1 every time she is in possession of the ball. The fouls in this case are carefully executed to be careless, so the referee correctly blows the whistle and issues the direct free kick restart. Ruling 1: After the second foul on B1 by A2, the referee should look at the context of the fouls — where are the fouls happening and against whom? Some preventive officiating here with A2 can prevent future issues. A quick discussion before the restart by the referee with A2 about the foul could resolve the matter. “Number 2, that’s your second foul against B1. You need to change your

behavior.” If another foul against B1 occurs, the referee now has more than enough information to call the foul, stop the clock, where applicable, and issue the caution to the offending player for persistent infringement.

Most officials can recognize this situation since it establishes a clear pattern. One player is singled out and repeatedly fouled by the opponents. Failing to recognize and address this pattern of fouls can result in players taking actions into their own hands through retaliation. It is vital that officials address such a pattern of fouls early in the match. The sooner the offending player can be warned, the better the chance the violations can be reduced.

Play 2: The referee observes A1 taking the ball into team B’s half. As A1 moves 10 yards into team B’s half heading for the goal with team B’s entire defensive line in front of her, the referee observes B2 initiate a careless foul that causes A1 to fall to the ground. The foul is called and a direct free kick is awarded. A few minutes later, A3 dribbles the ball into team B’s half. This time B4 trips A3 and a direct free kick is awarded. The referee now realizes that when an opponent brings the ball into team B’s half, she will be fouled. Ruling 2: This is another form of persistent infringement. The rules/Laws do not indicate the same player must be fouled. They also do not indicate the same person must commit the foul, although one could see how that would make calling this offense easier.

Persistent infringement is simply a matter of repeated offenses. That means the referee must be aware of the foul and the location to discern a particular pattern. This may be beyond the simple multiple-foulsagainst-a-single-player approach.

Play 3: B1, while trying to tackle the ball away, carelessly executes a slide tackle on A2 in team A’s defensive half, missing the ball and taking A2 to the ground. The referee addresses this with a direct free kick to team A at the point of the foul. A few minutes later, B1 is challenging A4 shoulder to shoulder for the ball. B1 carelessly trips A4 as he tries to maneuver and strip the ball away. Ruling 3: Although the same offender is involved, there is no persistent infringement in this case. The shoulder charge was legal and the trip was an isolated incident.

The rules/Laws indicate that persistent infringement is for any offenses — not just fouls. While it can be used for repeated bad throwins, referees should be thinking what they are getting for their caution. A lack of skill in executing a throw-in should not normally be punished. Persistent infringement should be utilized for fouls and offenses where there is a discernable impact to the match.

All officials can recognize fouls and deal with them appropriately. In addition to calling the foul, the referee must be able to recognize when and how persistent infringement is occurring. This will greatly assist in match control.

In summary, persistent infringement does not have to be committed by a single player or against the same individual. It simply must represent a pattern of fouls, with no particular number, in which the offending player or players have infringed the rules/ Laws of the game. Further, there is no requirement that the referee must “warn” players of their risk of a caution due to their actions. Preventive officiating could help establish a better rapport with the players and may resolve the matter. However, it is not a necessary step before a caution is administered.

Persistent infringement must be in the referee’s mind at all times so when it occurs in a match, the referee will be able to both better recognize and sanction the misconduct. Referees must recall the following when they observe a foul; who and where was it, and then look for the patterns. This simple approach will allow the referee to best use this tool to maintain the spirit of the match. George Wilhelmsen, Morris, Ill., has officiated soccer at various levels for more than 10 years. 

SURVEY SAYS …

According to NASO’s 2017 National Officiating Survey, nearly 67 percent of soccer officials who responded regretted not ejecting a coach from a match but just under eight percent regretted a decision to eject a coach.

QUICKTIP

Many players attempt to take advantage on a throw-in and try to move several yards upfield from the spot of the throw. The referee

must be prepared to move the player back to the vicinity of

the spot for the throw-in. If done early in the match, problems during a critical period later in the match can be eliminated.

SIDELINE

US Youth Soccer Names Young Referees of the Year

Kutay Gokcen (California) and Alyssa Grosse (Nebraska) were named the 2020 US Youth Soccer Young Referees of the Year. Fifty-five regions across the country each submitted a nominee.

Gokcen, 18, the male recipient, started refereeing at age 10. He worked the 2019 US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships and recently started working adult games with dreams of exploring with dreams of exploring a path to professional a path to professional soccer. This fall, Goken soccer. This fall, Goken will be a freshman at the will be a freshman at the University of Texas at University of Texas at Austin. Austin.

Grosse, 19, the Grosse, 19, the female recipient, is the female recipient, is the second from Nebraska second from Nebraska to win the honor, joining to win the honor, joining Dallas Malhiwsky, who Dallas Malhiwsky, who won the male award in won the male award in 1996. Grosse began 1996. Grosse began officiating when the officiating when the Fremont Soccer Fremont Soccer Club offered to Club offered to cover the cost of cover the cost of referee apparel in referee apparel in return for getting return for getting certified. certified.

TEST YOURSELF

In each of the following you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA or IFAB rules/Laws.

Solutions: p. 81.

1. A direct free kick is awarded to team B inside its own penalty area. A1 deliberately delays leaving the penalty area. B2 takes the free kick and A1 intercepts it within the penalty area, shoots and scores. a. The goal is allowed. b. The goal is disallowed and the game is restarted with a goal kick. c. The goal is disallowed and the kick is retaken.

2. A1 is in an offside position. A2 shoots on goal and the ball deflects off the crossbar to A1, who shoots and scores. a. Goal is awarded since the ball deflected back to A1. b. Caution A1 for being in offside position and interfering with play. c. No goal since A1 was in an offside position and interfered with play. Restart with an indirect free kick where A1 was at the time the ball was played.

3. Two team A players collide and appear to be seriously injured. A1 has possession of the ball. The referee stops play and has the athletic trainer enter the field of play to attend to them. a. The match is restarted with a drop ball at the point of the injuries. b. Both players must leave the field of play. The match is restarted with a drop ball where the ball was at the time of the stoppage. Team A participates in the drop ball. c. Since A1 had possession of the ball, the match is restarted with an indirect free kick at the point where the ball was when play was stopped. d. The players do not have to leave the field. The match is restarted with a drop ball where the ball was at the time of the stoppage. Team A participates in the drop ball.

4. Team A is awarded a free kick. B1 is moving back from the ball slowly and is less than 10 yards. A2 quickly takes the kick and B1 deliberately plays the ball. a. The game is allowed to continue since A2 decided to play the ball. b. The referee stops play and the kick is retaken. The referee cautions B1.

c. The referee stops play and awards an indirect free kick for team A at the point where B1 played the ball.

Three Systems, Many Reasons

By Joe Manjone, Ed. D.

As indicated in NFHS rule 5, three different systems are permitted to be utilized in the officiating of high school games. They are: the dual or two-official system, which includes a head referee and a referee; the diagonal system, consisting of a referee on the field and two assistant referees who are off the field; and the double dual (also known as the three-whistle system) that has a center referee and two side referees with all three officials on the field.

According to an NFHS survey, all three systems are being utilized throughout the country, and many state associations use a combination of systems. The diagonal system is used in 42 high school state associations, the double dual is used in seven high school associations and the dual is used in 22 associations.

A fourth official can be used for three-referee systems. Also, the officials in all three systems are to be assisted by a timer, scorer and sideline personnel to help chase down balls that leave the field.

The rationale for the NFHS allowing three referee systems in high school soccer will be included in the following — an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of each officiating system.

Dual System (MechaniGram A, p.4 8)

From the 1950s to the early 1980s, almost all high school soccer matches utilized the dual system of control. The dual system requires the two officials to come onto the field, box in the play, consistently communicate with each other and move quickly when changing from a trail (T) to lead (L) position. For evenly matched contests, considerable running is required of both officials. An interesting note is that during the ’50s, ’60s, and early ’70s, many high school goals did not have nets and the decision on a goal often had to be made by the trail official who moved out to the center of the attacking end of the field. This was far from the goalline. His or her vision could be screened and the referee had to make a judgment as to whether the ball crossed the goalline between the goalposts. Also, when there was a quick reversal or a long shot, the lead official had to make a determination whether or not the ball crossed the goalline several yards up from the goalline. Decisions of goal or no goal often resulted in complaints from coaches.

The primary advantage of the dual officiating system is only two officials are needed. While soccer is the fastest-growing high school sport, the supply of officials has not kept up with the demand. Having to assign only two officials to a match allows more coverage of scheduled games. High school games often are canceled or rescheduled because there are not enough officials available. School finances are also aided by the dual system as only two, rather than three, officials need to be compensated. This obviously aids many school districts whose athletic departments have financial difficulties.

The training of new officials can also be enhanced by the dual system. Utilizing new officials as referees in middle school and high school contests allows them to make their own calls, use the whistle and understand the game much faster than they do as assistant referees in the diagonal system.

The obvious disadvantage of the dual system is coverage of play, especially in offside situations. Also, there can be a difference in the consistency of a crew’s bar for fouls and misconduct. One official may call a tight match while the other allows more contact and play to continue. This disconnect causes players to become frustrated and coaches to dissent. It is essential that

A FINE LINE

The ball is still in play since it is partially on the touchline. The player has left the field of play during the normal course of play, which is legal.

The key to properly officiating this play is the referee team working together so that all possibilities are dealt with properly.

Assistant referee Jesus Hernandez Balb, Kirkland, Wash., has the responsibility to decide if the ball remains in or goes out of play. Note how the assistant referee is moving to be in a position to clearly see the ball. The assistant referee should be considering:

• How quickly he must raise the flag if the ball crosses the line. • Having patience by not anticipating the ball crossing the line and making the call too early. • The need to watch B14 for any fouls from behind that the referee may not be able to observe.

The referee must focus the attention on the two defenders and be in a position to observe any of the following potential actions by B14:

• Attempting a fair charge. • Attempting a slide tackle. • Pushing or tripping A20. • Fouling from behind. • Attempting to play the ball and kicks A20. • The other defender charging A20 or committing another type of foul.

officials have an extensive pregame conference, and communicate through eye contact throughout the match.

Unfortunately, the dual system requirement of both officials being on the field and boxing in the play is not being followed by many officials. Instead, many officials are taking the positions of assistant referees where they are staying off the field and viewing only on their lead half of the field. This results in a large part of the field having no coverage of playing action by an official. This could lead to missed fouls or actions occurring that warrant a caution or ejection not being observed by the officiating team.

Diagonal System (MechaniGram B, next page)

The diagonal system is the most common high school officiating system. It is also the officiating system required for international and professional soccer matches and is utilized worldwide for soccer contests at all levels. The high school diagonal system utilizes a referee who is on the field, oversees the game and enforces all rules. The referee (R) is assisted by two assistant referees (AR1 and AR2) who are off the field. The assistant referees assist the referee by suggesting infractions of the rules/ Laws, making substitutions and controlling the team areas. They also assist in other ways, as requested by the referee. As with all three officiating systems, a comprehensive pregame conference involving all three officials is a must.

The diagonal system has many advantages. Since it is the system used for professional matches, the high school referee can learn from and mimic the mechanics, positioning and calls of professional referees who are seen daily on TV. The diagonal system allows for better coverage of offside than the dual as the assistant referees are — or always should be — in a position to call offside. Since there is only one referee, foul and misconduct calls are more consistent than when

CASEPLAYS

A Save, But Then …

Play: A shot on goal is saved by team B’s goalkeeper, B1, who controls the ball with her hands. B1 then releases the ball and moves it forward with her feet, outside the goal area. A2 moves in quickly. B1 picks the ball up with her hands to prevent A2 from intercepting the ball. Ruling: The referee shall stop play and award an indirect free kick for team A at the point where the goalkeeper picked the ball up outside the goal area (NFHS 12-7-11; NCAA 12.3.2; IFAB 12.2).

Who’s In? Who’s Out?

Play: Play is stopped and it is a legal time for both teams to substitute. Both team A and team B have two players who have reported and are ready to enter the match. When the referee signals for the substitutions to occur, team B has three players enter the field of play. B3, the third player, has not properly reported. As soon as the match is resumed, B3 makes a reckless tackle on A2. The referee stops play and immediately realizes B3 did not properly report into the match. The referee cautions B3 for entering the field without permission. The referee then displays another yellow card followed by a red card (second caution) for the reckless tackle. Ruling: This is a correct decision since both violations warrant a caution and the second caution becomes an ejection (NFHS 1-2c; NCAA A.R. 12.4.3.5.b; IFAB 12.3).

Incidental Attack

Play: A1 is moving toward the goal and passes the ball toward A2. A2 does not see the ball coming and it deflects off the back of his arm and into the goal. Ruling: The goal is disallowed, and the match is restarted with a goal kick. The incidental contact with the arm by an attacker is not permitted (NFHS 12-2; NCAA 12.1.7.1.2; IFAB 12.2).

A

T

L

B

AR2 R L

T

AR1

C

CR

SR1

SR2

two or three officials are making the decisions. New officials can be utilized faster since the amount of knowledge needed to be an assistant referee is less than that of a referee in the dual or double dual systems.

The diagonal system does have disadvantages when used for high school play. It is a system designed for professional soccer matches, not high school games. The referee in the diagonal system must be in shape, be able to move quickly and keep up with play, and be in a position to determine what has occurred. Since there is only one referee, getting the proper angle (essential for making correct judgments) to make a call is often difficult especially for high school officials whose average age in some and possibly most states is in the 50s, and who often do not have the speed to always keep up with play and get in the needed position.

Because this system results in mimicking pro game officials, high school rule enforcement errors sometimes result because of the rules differences between NFHS, NCAA and IFAB rules/Laws. The goals of high school soccer games include education, safety and participation, which are different than the goals of international and professional soccer games, and result in these rule differences.

Another disadvantage of the diagonal system is the need for three officials, which as indicated previously may not be possible because of the shortage of high school officials and high school sports funding. These are two reasons for states using a combination of systems.

Two additional concerns are: • New high school officials are assigned as assistant referees and not given the opportunity to referee, resulting in the loss of interest. • Because of the need for officials, new officials are sometimes assigned to games without proper training.

Double Dual/Three-Whistle System (MechaniGram C)

The double dual or three-whistle officiating system is the least used of the three high school systems. However, it may be the one most suitable for high school boys’ and girls’ soccer matches. In the double dual system, three referees — center referee (CR) and two side referees (SR1 and SR2) — are on the field, and all three have whistles and enforce

fouls and misconduct. The need to have consistent calls and constant communication among the three referees makes a comprehensive pregame conference mandatory. It is noted that basketball, which uses the three-whistle system, emphasizes comprehensive pregame conferences even with crews that have previously worked together. In addition, constant communication and eye contact during the game is a must.

Having three officials on the field with each official having the authority to make calls allows the play to be boxed in, but more importantly, it allows the calling official to move into position and get a better angle on the play to make the right call. It also allows for better coverage of offside than the dual system. The double dual system extends the career of experienced referees since the fitness level of the referees is not as great a requirement as in the diagonal and dual systems. There is also an advantage for new officials who must learn to referee and use the whistle from the start. Being an integral part of the officiating team as a referee seems — from my experience as an assigner — to result in the development and retention of new and younger officials. Another advantage is working in the double dual system allows officials to easily transition to the dual and diagonal systems.

The largest disadvantage of the double dual system is it is not the system used in professional, international and other non-high school contests. Officials do not want to use it because there are few opportunities to watch and mimic other officials, and it is not the internationally accepted officiating system. Coaches, players and spectators do not encourage its use because it is not the norm. The double dual system requires additional training for new officials as they must know how to referee, call plays, learn positioning and whistle. The training provided to an assistant referee is not sufficient to referee games in the double dual system. As in the dual system, the inconsistency of calling fouls and misconduct or interpretation of the rules among the three officials is always a concern. As in the diagonal system, three officials are needed and may not be available.

There is value in each of the three high school officiating systems and it is understandable why all three systems are used for high school play. Regardless of the system being utilized, officials must have a meaningful and comprehensive pregame conference to utilize proper positioning and mechanics. Joe Manjone, Ed. D., Silverhill, Ala., is a former chairperson of the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee. He was inducted into the NISOA Hall of Fame is 2013 and is an active high school referee and a former collegiate soccer referee. 