Items from Joe O'Brien, VSOA Interpreter

8-25-2009

Here are some reminders from Joe O'Brien, VSOA Interpreter:
 
 
1.  All knee braces that are made of hard material (metal, plastic) MUST be covered.  This can be a sleeve or wrapped with ace bandage.

2.  Meet with team captains and head coach at the bench five minutes prior to the start of the game for coin toss, introductions and instructions.  Remember…NO Lectures.

3.  Remember that all direct and indirect kicks are taken from the point of the infraction with few exceptions. 

Indirect Exception 1-coach or bench personnel coming onto the field

Indirect Exception 2- injured player stopping play

Indirect Exception 3- team bench misconduct stops play

Plus an  indirect kick for the attacking team for a defense violation within the defensive attacking goal area- ball must be placed on the nearest point of the goal area line that is  parallel to the goal line.

4.  Immediately after the final whistle to end the game, both officials leave the field together.  Do not stop to meet with coaches or players, or shake hands with coaches or players, etc.  We had several incidents occur last year that we are trying to avoid.
 
 
 
Black grid jerseys, and other referee apparel and gear, can be ordered and/or purchased from:
 
South:  John Pedone  The Other Sports Store   Rutland  773-5133 
North:  Mike Baker    L & M Enterprises   Bolton   434-2084

10-9-2008

RULES’ INTERPRETATION THIS WEEK

1. I saw a brace the other day that was soft material except for the round plastic hinges.  No metal was showing.  The player did not have a sleeve for it.  The hinge was hard but, again, it was round without metal.  I let the player play but suggested the coach try to get a sleeve for it and maybe even take a picture for you to see.  The round hinge had a piece of plastic under it which was a little bigger that did have more of an edge.  I had time to check the rule, which I did before the game, and only saw the reference to not allowing exposed metal.  Did I make a mistake letting the player play?

The player should have the hinge covered and remember that a doctor’s note is also required.

2. Do I need to blow the whistle every time there is a restart after a legal subbing opportunity?

Yes, we should all use a short quick whistle for a restart on a throw in sub, goal kick, or corner.  It is important to alert all players and or partner that play is about to start after subbing.

3. I have see players using pre-wrap for hair control and it is knotted. Should we allow this?

Yes, this material is so soft that the knot does not present any danger.  The danger of the pre-wrap is when it slips off the head and is worn as a necklace. Officials should instruct players to readjust as soon as possible.

4. May a ref go to a coach and advise that s/he make a substitution for a player who is on the edge of being ‘out of control’ and approaching a caution?

Yes, this is good preventative reffing, if you can get to the bench. This past week I talked with a coach as I passed by the bench about a player to whom I had just given a verbal warning about dissent.  As I went by the coach said , “Thanks I have a sub ready.”

5. My fellow official did not call me the night before or contact me about today’s game.  I could not reach her/him.  What should I do?

Call Frank or Abe ASAP either in the evening or in the morning of your game.  They will confirm your assignment and partner.  Remember….WE ARE REQUIRED to make this contact.

6. Does the goalkeeper himself/herself need to be within the penalty area?  For example, a scramble for the ball near the 18 yard line and the keeper ends up on the ground, hands on the ball IN the penalty area but torso and legs OUT of the penalty area.  Or, keeper on the ground IN the goal but the ball in his/her hands on the ball OUT of the goal.

It is the location of the ball that defines whether it is in or out of the penalty area.  If any little sliver of the ball eclipses any small slice of the penalty area line, the goalkeeper is free to handle it - regardless of the position of the rest of his body.  S/he will have to be careful to ensure that the ball stays within the PA as long as s/he is touching it.

9-30-2008

Pete: Situations this week.  Please send out to members.  Thanks.

1. All ankle braces must be covered.  They need to be worn UNDER the socks, not over.

2. At the conclusion of the game, leave the field immediately.  If you or your partner have things at the scorer's table, the nearside official should quickly gather them.  Sticking around after the game can invite problems that we want to avoid.

3. Situation: A player on Team A lifts a foot during a throw-in allowing Team B to get a throw-in from the same spot.  Is substitution at this point done according to the substitution rule for thrown-ins.  Yes, the subbing rules are the same.  If team B had a player ready to sub on the initial throw-in, the player B enters on team B's throw.

4. Upon arrival the officials' conversation with coaches, whether individually or together, should be VERY limited to a greeting and any questions about player equipment or any other possible inspection before the game.  Prolonged conversation with one coach can give the wrong impression to the fans and the other coach.

5. Can bubble wrap be used to cover a cast.  No, although it may make the covering thicker than an inch, foam and then ace bandage should be used.  Bubble wrap has a tendency to pop when forceful contact is applied to the cast.  IMPORTANT: any cast-wearing player MUST have a medical release to participate.

6. Is there any problem with girls or boys wearing headbands to keep hair out of their eyes?  No, headbands may be worn for that purpose.  Most are made of terry cloth and some teams are using pre-bandage wrap that is acceptable.  Bandanas are NOT permitted because of the knot in the back.

7. Are eye glass bands allowed?  Yes, they need to be the type that are made of soft material and are tight and snug to the back of the head.  They cannot be a lanyard type with ends that dangle from the glasses.