Interview Questions for Law of the Game

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team when a foul is committed. The kicker must place the ball on the spot where the infraction occurred, and all opponents must be at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) away. The kicker can’t touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player.

Process:

• Foul Committed: A player commits a direct free kick offense, such as a hand ball, tripping, or dangerous play.
• Ball Placement: The referee indicates the location of the foul and the ball is placed there.
• Opponent Positioning: All opposing players must retreat at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) from the ball and remain behind it until the ball is kicked.
• Kick Execution: The kicker strikes the ball. Once the ball is kicked, all other players, including the kicker, are free to participate in the play.
• Indirect/Direct: It’s important to note that only certain fouls lead to a *direct* free kick. The referee signals a direct kick by raising one arm.

Example: Imagine a defender trips an attacker inside the penalty area. This is a direct free kick, usually resulting in a penalty kick instead, but if committed outside the box, it’s a direct free kick.

A penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits a direct free kick offense within their own penalty area. It’s a one-on-one situation between the kicker and the goalkeeper.

Procedure:

• Foul in Penalty Area: A foul resulting in a direct free kick occurs within the defending team’s penalty area.
• Ball Placement: The ball is placed on the penalty mark.
• Kicker and Goalkeeper: Only the kicker and the goalkeeper are allowed inside the penalty area. All other players must be outside the penalty area. The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the ball is kicked.
• Kick Execution: The kicker takes the shot. The ball is considered in play once it is kicked.
• Goal or No Goal: If the ball enters the goal, it’s a goal. If not, the play continues.

Example: A defender fouls an attacker who is about to shoot inside the penalty box. The referee awards a penalty kick.

A handball offense occurs when a player deliberately handles the ball. However, there are exceptions; accidental handling, as well as handling the ball from a player’s own body, is not always a handball.

Constitutes a Handball:

• Deliberate Handling: A player intentionally touches the ball with their hand or arm. Intentional means done on purpose, e.g., to stop the ball, redirect the ball.
• Movement of the Arm Exaggerated: The movement of the arm towards the ball makes it bigger than normal.
• In Play: the handball needs to have been in an active play period

Does Not Constitute a Handball (usually):

• Accidental Handling: The player unintentionally touches the ball with their hand or arm. It was not a deliberate act to control the ball, e.g., the ball hits the arm from close range.
• Ball Hitting the Arm Close to Body: The ball strikes the arm when it’s close to the player’s body and the player cannot reasonably have been expected to stop it.

Example: A player deliberately uses their hand to stop the ball or to control the ball. This would likely be a handball. A ball that hits a player’s arm that is close to the body may not be considered a handball.

A player is in an offside position if they are in the opponent’s half of the field and closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender. It’s only an offense if, at the moment the ball is played to them by a teammate, they are involved in active play.

Determination:

• Opponent’s Half: The player must be in the opponent’s half of the field.
• Closer to Goal Line: The player must be closer to the goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender.
• Involved in Active Play: The player must be involved in active play by interfering with play, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage by being in that position when the ball is passed to them by a teammate. Simply being in an offside position is not enough; the player must gain an advantage from it.

Example: A forward is in the opponent’s half, ahead of the ball and the second-to-last defender. A teammate passes the ball to them. If they are involved in active play (e.g., receives a pass, makes a run which directly affects the play, gets involved in a situation), then it’s an offside offense.

There’s a wide range of fouls, each carrying different punishments. Some fouls lead to direct or indirect free kicks, others lead to penalty kicks, or even red cards (expulsion from the game).

Types of Fouls and Punishments:

• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Disrespectful behavior, arguing with the referee. Punishment: Verbal warning, yellow card (caution), or red card (sending-off).
• Dangerous Play: Reckless tackles, high kicks. Punishment: Direct or indirect free kick, yellow or red card.
• Handball: Deliberate handling of the ball. Punishment: Indirect or direct free kick, or penalty kick (if in the penalty area).
• Tripping: Knocking down an opponent with a trip. Punishment: Direct or indirect free kick, yellow or red card.
• Holding: Preventing a player from playing the ball using the body. Punishment: Direct or indirect free kick, yellow card.
• Charging: Running into an opponent unnecessarily. Punishment: Direct or indirect free kick, yellow card.
• Simulation/Diving: Pretending to be fouled. Punishment: Yellow card.

Example: A player who makes a dangerous tackle may receive a yellow or red card depending on the severity and referee’s judgment, and the opposing team will be awarded a direct free kick. If a player is excessively cynical then they will receive a yellow card for their behaviour.

Assistant referees (ARs) are crucial in ensuring fair play. Their primary role is to assist the referee in controlling the game and making decisions. They focus primarily on the two sidelines and provide information to the referee.

Responsibilities:

• Offside Decisions: The ARs are primarily responsible for flagging offside.
• Throw-ins: Determining the correct team to take a throw-in.
• Goal-kicks and Corner-kicks: Assisting the referee to ensure the appropriate procedure is followed.
• Fouls and Misconducts: They signal fouls and misconduct that may have been missed by the referee, particularly incidents near the sidelines.
• Maintaining order near sidelines: Preventing issues involving players and substitutes.
• Communication with the referee: Clearly and accurately signaling to the referee using appropriate signals.

Example: If a player is offside, the AR will raise their flag to signal the referee. The AR is also responsible for signaling if a foul happened near their line.

VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is a system that uses video technology to help the referee make accurate decisions. It doesn’t overturn decisions lightly; rather, it only intervenes in certain situations.

Use of VAR:

• Goals: Reviewing potential goals for instances of offside, fouls in the build-up, or whether the ball fully crossed the line.
• Penalty Kicks: Checking potential penalty decisions, reviewing whether the offense occurred, and whether it happened within the box.
• Direct Red Cards: Reviewing whether a red card was correctly issued.
• Mistaken Identity: Checking whether the referee gave a card to the correct player.

Process: The VAR reviews footage and can communicate with the referee. The referee can choose to maintain their decision or consult the video evidence and change their decision. The referee has the final say. The referee will only consult the VAR if he deems he should.

Example: If a goal is scored, but the VAR observes an offside in the build-up, the goal would be disallowed.

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that it was not played illegally by the attacking team. Think of it like this: the ball needs to completely cross the line for it to count.

• Offside: If the player scoring the goal is in an offside position at the moment the ball is played to them by a teammate, the goal will be disallowed. This is a very common reason for goals to be invalidated. Imagine a striker sneaking ahead of the last defender while the ball is still in play. If a teammate passes to them in that position, even if they successfully score, the goal is ruled out because they were offside.
• Handball: A goal scored directly from a player’s hand (except the goalkeeper within their penalty area) will be disallowed. Any intentional handball during the build-up of a goal can also lead to a free kick that prevents the score.
• Fouls: If a foul occurs in the build-up to a goal, like a push or trip on a defender, the referee will likely disallow the goal and award a free kick.
• Goalkeeper’s illegal handling outside the penalty area: The goalkeeper can’t handle the ball with their hands outside the penalty area. If a goal results from them ignoring this rule, the goal will not stand.

Referees meticulously review these aspects before validating a goal. They might consult with VAR (Video Assistant Referee) for close calls, especially concerning offside positions.

Yellow and red cards are used to caution or dismiss players for various offenses. Think of a yellow card as a warning, and a red card as a game dismissal.

• Yellow Card: A yellow card is a cautionary measure for less serious infringements such as unsporting behavior (arguing with the referee), dissent (disagreeing with the referee’s decisions), delaying the restart of play, or persistent infringement.
• Red Card: A red card results in immediate dismissal from the game. Red cards are issued for more serious offenses, such as violent conduct (e.g., punching or kicking an opponent), denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (e.g., a deliberate handball on the goal line) and serious foul play (e.g., a dangerous tackle with excessive force).

Two yellow cards in a match given to the same player result in an automatic red card and ejection from the game.

The referee’s judgment plays a crucial role in determining the severity of an infraction and the appropriate card to show.

A throw-in is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the touchline. This means the ball has completely crossed the sideline.

Think of it as resetting play after the ball goes out of bounds along the sideline. The throw-in is used to put the ball back into play. It’s important to note that the ball must be thrown, not dropped or bounced, and both feet must remain on the ground during the throw.

Substitutions allow teams to replace players during a match. They’re a key part of managing player fitness and strategies.

• Timing: Substitutions can only take place during a temporary stoppage of play, as decided by the referee. You can’t have a sub happen while the game is flowing.
• Procedure: The player being substituted must leave the field of play from the nearest touchline before the substitute enters. The substitute must obtain permission from the referee, and then can enter the game.
• Number of Substitutes: The Laws of the Game dictate a certain number of substitutes each team is allowed. This number varies depending on the level of competition, and the specific rules may have other exceptions in place.
• Re-Entry: Once a player has been substituted, they cannot return to the game unless it’s a case of an injury that has required treatment and the same player then needs to re-enter the game (within the limits of allowed substitutes).

The substitute and the player being substituted have to get permission from the referee before proceeding with the substitution.

A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, after having last touched a defender, without a goal having been scored.

The ball must be placed within the designated corner arc and is taken from the arc, not behind it, with a foot touching or being within the arc. The ball must be stationary when the kick is taken. Players from the opposing team must be at least 10 yards (9.15 meters) away from the corner kick spot until the ball has been kicked.

The ball is in play the moment it is kicked and enters the field of play.

The goalkeeper has special privileges within their penalty area. However, there are restrictions on their actions.

• Handling the Ball: The goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands within their penalty area. They can’t deliberately handle the ball outside the penalty area unless the ball is immediately passed to them by a teammate.
• Holding the ball for 6 seconds: While they can use their hands, they are only permitted to hold the ball in their hands for a maximum of 6 seconds to avoid prolonged time-wasting.
• Throwing the ball from their hands: They must throw the ball from their hands, not drop or bounce it for a quick throw out.
• Fouls and Penalties: Any foul committed by the goalkeeper within their penalty area may result in a penalty kick if the offense is worthy of a direct free kick.

Referees closely monitor the goalkeeper’s actions within the penalty area, ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules.

If a player is injured outside the field of play, the referee will temporarily stop the match. Medical personnel will provide necessary assistance.

If the injury requires the player to leave the field, a temporary substitution can be made to allow a teammate to replace the injured player while they receive treatment. The substituted player may re-enter the game if they are able to return after treatment without needing any further substitution.

Once the player is fit enough, or if they cannot continue, the referee will determine the appropriate course of action depending on the severity of the injury and the match regulations.

A dropped ball occurs when the referee deems the ball to have been unintentionally dropped by a player. It’s a relatively rare occurrence, usually happening during a goal kick or throw-in process where the ball slips from a player’s grasp. The procedure is straightforward: the referee simply restarts the game with a dropped ball. The referee will drop the ball between two opposing players, usually the closest players to where the ball was initially dropped, allowing them to contest possession fairly. There’s no special restart or advantage given to either team; it’s a neutral restart.

Example: Imagine a goalkeeper dropping the ball during a goal kick. The referee would then call for a dropped ball and drop the ball between the goalkeeper and the closest opposing player. They will contend for possession from that point.

A goal kick is taken by the defending team from inside their own penalty area. The ball must be completely inside the penalty area before the kick is taken and must travel beyond the penalty area before it can be played by another player of the defending team. It’s a simple but vital restart. The kicking team can’t play the ball again until it has been touched by an opposing player.

How it’s taken: The ball is placed anywhere within the goalkeeper’s six-yard box. The goalkeeper or any defending player can take it, but the ball must be stationary when kicked. A goal kick is taken after the opposing team scores a goal. The kicker must not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player.

Example: After a goal, the opposing team’s goalkeeper retrieves the ball and places it anywhere within their six-yard box to begin the goal kick.

Dangerous play encompasses any action that puts an opponent at risk of injury. This isn’t limited to obvious tackles; it includes reckless challenges, excessive force, endangering opponents with raised arms or legs, and even spitting. The referee must consider the degree of risk and the player’s intention. Recklessness is an important factor—a deliberate attempt to harm is more serious than an accident, even if the outcome is the same.

• Reckless challenges: Going in for a tackle with excessive force or without proper control of the ball.
• Excessive force: Using more force than necessary in a challenge, even if it appears clean.
• Endangering opponents: Raising an elbow or leg dangerously high, risking an opponent’s safety.
• Spitting: A deliberate act of spitting at an opponent or referee.

Example: A high-foot challenge that clearly endangers an opponent is dangerous play, regardless of whether the opponent is touched. Similarly, a late sliding tackle with studs showing, even if it misses the opponent, is dangerous play due to its reckless nature.

Indirect free kicks are awarded for a variety of less serious infringements. The key difference is that the goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick; the ball must touch another player before entering the goal. This contrasts with direct free kicks where the ball can be scored directly from the kick. There are many situations that result in an indirect free kick.

• Backpass to the goalkeeper: The goalkeeper handling a deliberate backpass from a teammate.
• Obstruction: A player preventing an opponent from playing the ball by impeding their movement.
• Failure to observe distance: A player not maintaining the required distance from the ball during a free-kick.
• Time-wasting: A player excessively delays the restart of play.

Example: If a defender deliberately passes the ball back to their goalkeeper, who touches it, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team. The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head.

While often used interchangeably, there’s a crucial distinction. A red card is a physical sign of the referee’s decision, a visual representation of the punishment. A dismissal is the actual removal of a player from the match. A red card is the *method* of dismissal; dismissal is the *outcome* itself. A player can be dismissed without a red card (rare, but possible, usually due to a prior caution and subsequent misconduct).

Example: A player receives a red card (the method), resulting in their dismissal (the outcome) from the match. However, a player might be dismissed from a match after persistent misconduct without the referee issuing a red card.

A match is abandoned when the referee deems it impossible to continue playing. This can be due to several reasons, including:

• Severe weather conditions: A lightning storm, heavy snowfall, or other unsafe weather.
• Crowd disturbances: Violent or disruptive behavior from spectators.
• Serious injury: An injury requiring prolonged medical attention that would disrupt the flow of the game significantly.
• Interference from external factors: An inability to safely play the match due to external factors beyond the control of the referee.
• Persistent misconduct: An accumulation of serious fouls or acts of misconduct that make the game unplayable.

Example: If a riot breaks out in the stands, the referee would likely abandon the match to ensure the safety of players, officials and spectators.

Referee’s handling of dissent varies depending on the severity and nature of the dissent. A simple show of displeasure might be ignored or met with a verbal warning. However, persistent or aggressive dissent can lead to cautions or even dismissal. The referee aims to maintain order and fairness and may offer a verbal warning initially. Continued dissent can lead to a yellow card and then, if the behavior escalates, to a red card and dismissal.

Example: A player argues a referee’s decision vocally. A warning might be given. Repeated arguments and verbal abuse would likely result in a yellow card. Persistent and aggressive dissent could result in a red card and dismissal from the match.

The Fair Play Award isn’t a formally defined award within the Laws of the Game itself. There’s no specific criteria laid out by IFAB. However, the spirit of fair play is central to the game, and various organizations may have their own awards recognizing exemplary sportsmanship. These awards often consider actions demonstrating respect for opponents, referees, and the rules, as well as acts of kindness and ethical conduct both on and off the field. A player displaying consistent honesty, integrity, and a commitment to the spirit of the game, even when facing adversity, would be a strong candidate for such an award, should an organization choose to present one.

For example, a player who immediately signals a handball against their own team, despite knowing it could cost a goal, or a player who consoles an opponent after a tough challenge, would demonstrate the principles valued in fair play.

Interpreting ambiguous rules requires a deep understanding of the Laws of the Game and its underlying principles. My experience involves carefully considering the specific context of the incident, reviewing the wording of the relevant Laws, and applying the principles of fair play and player safety. I often refer to official interpretations and case studies provided by IFAB to gain further clarity. It’s not simply about finding loopholes or technicalities; rather, it’s about reaching a just and fair decision that reflects the intent of the Laws. In ambiguous cases, I prioritize the safety of the players and the fairness of the match. I also find that discussing and deliberating with fellow referees, when possible, is beneficial in ensuring that decisions are consistent and well-reasoned.

For instance, determining whether a challenge constitutes a foul often involves assessing factors such as the force of the contact, the location of the contact, and the intention of the player. These are nuanced aspects that often require careful consideration and professional judgment.

Maintaining composure under pressure is crucial for a referee. I’ve developed strategies over time to manage stress. These include:

• Thorough preparation: Knowing the Laws thoroughly reduces anxiety. The more confident you are in your understanding, the less likely you are to be flustered by difficult situations.
• Focus on the task at hand: I concentrate on the next play, not dwelling on past decisions or anticipating future conflicts.
• Controlled breathing: Simple deep breaths help regulate my physical and mental state.
• Effective communication: Clear and calm communication with players and assistant referees reduces misunderstandings and potential escalations.
• Seeking support: Post-game debriefings with fellow officials allow for reflection and learning from any challenges.

Remember, remaining calm and assertive projects authority and helps de-escalate tense situations. A referee’s demeanor can significantly influence the game’s overall atmosphere.

Advantage in the Laws of the Game refers to a referee’s judgment to allow play to continue after an offense has been committed, if the resulting outcome would be more beneficial to the team that was wronged than immediately stopping the game to punish the infraction. The key is whether allowing play to continue offers a better sporting outcome for the offended team. If the advantage is lost or the offense is serious (e.g., violent conduct), the referee should stop play and penalize the infringement.

For example, if a defender commits a minor foul just outside the penalty area, but the attacking team subsequently scores a goal while continuing to play, the referee will likely allow the goal to stand. However, if the foul disrupts the attacking team’s flow and does not result in a positive outcome for them, the referee will stop play, award a free kick, and possibly issue a caution.

Consistent application of the Laws of the Game requires a multifaceted approach:

• Thorough knowledge: A deep and updated understanding of all Laws, including interpretations and guidelines from IFAB, is fundamental.
• Uniform interpretation: Referees should strive to interpret the Laws in a consistent and predictable manner across different matches and circumstances.
• Regular training and review: Ongoing professional development, including workshops and case studies, keeps referees abreast of changes and best practices.
• Open communication: Discussion among referees and with governing bodies facilitates uniformity in decision-making.
• Use of available resources: Using resources such as the IFAB’s official website and guidelines is crucial in clarifying ambiguities.

Consistency minimizes subjective judgment and fosters fairness across all matches, irrespective of participating teams or players.

One particularly challenging decision involved a near-simultaneous incident where a player committed a foul, and an opponent reacted by appearing to simulate a fall. The question was whether to sanction the original foul or the possible simulation. I approached this systematically:

1. Analyze each action individually: I carefully reviewed the video footage (if available) and recalled my view of both the foul and the subsequent reaction.
2. Apply the relevant laws: I considered Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) regarding the initial foul, and Law 12 specifically addressing simulation (deception of a match official).
3. Prioritize player safety and fairness: If the foul was dangerous or reckless, it took precedence. If it was less serious, and the simulation was evident, I would sanction both.
4. Make the decision: In this case, the foul was a minor infraction, and the simulation was clear. I cautioned both players; one for the foul and the other for unsporting behaviour.

Documenting such decisions, including reasoning, helps with future reference and improved consistency.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is the ultimate authority responsible for amending the Laws of the Game. It comprises representatives from the four British football associations and FIFA. IFAB’s role is to ensure the Laws remain relevant, fair, and adaptable to the evolving nature of football. Amendments are proposed, discussed, and voted upon. The process often involves reviewing feedback from referees, coaches, players, and other stakeholders worldwide. Once approved, the amendments are officially implemented worldwide, ensuring a consistent application of the Laws across all levels of the game. Their decisions influence the very fabric and future of the sport, constantly striving to improve fairness, safety, and the overall spectacle of the game.