Ref Knows Best

Q - From a vicious shot for goal inside the penalty-area, a defender uses his hands instinctively to protect his face. What action should the referee take?
A - Play on. The player's action was reflex.

Q - A goalkeeper gathers up the ball and decides to punt it upfield quickly. It hits the referee inside the penalty-area and rebounds into the goal. What is the referee's decision?
A - Award a goal. The referee is considered part of the field of play... such as a goal-post!

Q - What action should a referee take if he notices a player has been substituted without permission?
A - Stop the game. Caution the player who left the field and the player who came on. Restart with an indirect free-kick.

Q - Should a referee allow a player to play with an unnumbered shirt?
A - Yes. The Law's do not stipulate a player must wear a numbered shirt, but if the competition rules require this, then the referee would report the fact to the association afterwards.

Q - Can a player be sent off for dissent?
A - Yes, if he shows dissent by the use of foul or abusive language, or has been previsouly cautioned.

Q - If an indirect free-kick is given to the attacking team on the penalty area line and the defending wall of five players lines up on the edge of the goal-area (6 yards box), is this in order?
A - Yes, because the goal-area is at least 12 yards from the penalty-area.

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