Referee's Goal Scoring in Soccer: Rules and Exceptions
Is it possible for a referee to score a goal in a soccer match? While the answer might seem straightforward at first, the rules and regulations associated with the game introduce some interesting nuances. Let's dive into the details and explore the history and current regulations surrounding a referee's goal-scoring abilities.
Can a Referee Score a Goal?
No, generally a referee cannot score a goal in a soccer match. However, there are rare circumstances where a referee might score a goal unintentionally, but these scenarios are generally not considered official.
Intentional Scoring by a Referee
While the referee is part of the field of play and can make contact with the ball, intentionally scoring a goal is not allowed. If a referee deliberately scores a goal, no matter how it occurs (head, foot, etc.), that goal will not be counted towards the match's progression.
Unintentional Scoring by a Referee
Unintentional scoring by a referee can result in the referee restarting play with a dropped ball. For instance, if a player hits the referee with a shot, and the ball subsequently goes into the goal, the referee would blow the whistle, and play would restart with a dropped ball.
Recent Rule Changes
As of June 1, 2019, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) made explicit rule changes to clarify the issue. Prior to 2019, if a ball hit a referee and scored, the goal would be counted if it came from a promising attack or resulted in a change of possession. However, the new rules stipulate that if a ball strikes a referee and scores, the referee should restart play with a dropped ball.
Timeline of Rule Changes
The 2019–2020 update of the Laws of the Game was implemented for competitions that had not yet started. Therefore, the 2019 Women's World Cup adopted this protocol, but the Major League Soccer (MLS) continued to use the old rules for the current season since the season had already begun. This interim phase meant that during the transition, some referees still allowed scores to count, especially if they came from promising attacks.
Caveats and Considerations
Given the proximity of referees to the play, scenarios where a referee scores a goal are extremely rare and would be highly unusual. In practice, referees keep their distance from the net, reducing the likelihood of such occurrences. Even if a referee scores a goal, it would be unlikely to affect the flow of the game significantly due to the immediate restart with a dropped ball.
In conclusion, while a referee can score a goal unintentionally, such a goal will not count unless the referee makes a deliberate touch. The rules have evolved to ensure fair play and consistent application across different competitions and seasons.