The Ref Stop

Open Age Ball hit defender's face, down, other defenders aborted, attacking team scored immediately

C

CrossRef

New Member
Level 7 Referee
hi there, I faced an situation described in the title:
1. Attacking team tried to put the ball in the box, hit a defender's face hard in the face.
2. The defender was down, but I don't know how bad it was and the attacking team was still in possession of the ball, so I allowed the game to continue and intended to check the player after the offence was over.
3. The other defenders close to him (they might have a better vision of course) stopped defending and shouted to stop the game. Almost at the same time the attacking team put the ball in the goal.

I finally disallowed the goal considering that the defender's nose was bleeding and the other defenders gave up their defence. However, I am questioning my decision very much. At the moment the defending player was down, there was no way for me to decide how bad it was, and the goal happened before I call the game to stop. It looks to me I should have allowed the goal as a no brainer.

Dear referees, please give me your opinions. Thanks!
 
The Ref Stop
How old? I think is the key question.

12 and below absolutely stop the game immediately if any risk of head trauma.
18 and above with ball in the face in the box they should play to the whistle and you have a few seconds.
13-18 for me depends on the level. Elite/national level probably allowing a few seconds. But further down, unless a crucial playoff, just stop the match. Coaches and parents want safety first.
 
It was an adult game and the attacking team was in a very good position, I didn't think it is a good time to stop the game. However, the defending player stopped immediately. Practically I certified their behaviour retrospectively and changed my decision. At that time I thought the player did get injured and the defence was aborted, so disallowing the goal might be in the spirit of the game. However, it also made me feel bad because the law seemed to be broken.
 
From what you describe it sounds like you should have carried on and accepted the goal.

But what’s the learning here? Sell your decisions and non-decisions as quickly as possible! As soon as it hits the face either whistle or shout “carry on” or similar. You might get away with a second or two but the risk increases very quickly that you will lose match control (because of a big decision like goal/no goal).

As you describe it you overcorrected with a second mistake. Understandable, we’ve all done similar;)
 
When the ball has entered the goal it is incorrect in Law to not award the goal for an injury.
As @santa sangria says, the main thing here is to make a decision immediately and be clear about whether play is being stopped or not.
If in doubt it is usually better to err on the side of player safety and stop it.
 
If a player gets hit hard in face with the ball and goes down, regardless of age, you should be stopping the game immediately and getting the trainer on. Player safety is number 1 concern, you can’t take the chance that it might not be serious.
 
CrossRef said:
hi there, I faced an situation described in the title:
1. Attacking team tried to put the ball in the box, hit a defender's face hard in the face.
2. The defender was down, but I don't know how bad it was
Click to expand...
There you go. Now lies with the medical team, so get 'em on to assess.
 
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