CapnBloodbeard
RefChat Addict
Well this is exactly the problem.The six second clause is one you need to understand the intent of to be able to apply it correctly
Why do we, as referees, over complicate things? The LOTG says 6 seconds. Why do we make it out to be any more complex than that?
"Understand the intent" is often just used as a euphemism for '"ignore". And a poor euphemism.
As you say, the intent of the law is to prevent timewasting when the ball cannot be challenged.
Given that referees are regularly allowing 20 seconds or more, I think it's safe to say that as a whole, referees no longer understand the intent of this law and it, like so many other things, are in the box of 'laws we think are too difficult to enforce'.
Funny how Futsal doesn't have the slightest problem with enforcement here.
One thing I realised once I started Futsal is that my 'second' was a long second - when I was counting 6 seconds it might have been 8 - but then again the keeper is probably doing the same. It's a pity we don't use a clear signal for the count.....we're not looking at our watches though, of course.Serious question, how many of you actually keep to six seconds in your games?
There's the idea that the count should start once the keeper takes his feet, assuming he does so in a timely fashion. Otherwise we're punishing the keeper for making a diving save. But aside from that, no problems, though it only comes up a few times a season. IF the keeper is in the process of releasing when my 6 seconds is up I'll let it go but maybe a shout of 'a bit quicker next time keeper'