What Happens When the Ball Touches the Referee and Goes Out of Play in Soccer?

Football or soccer is a rigorous and dynamic sport with a myriad of rules designed to ensure fair play and excitement. Occasionally, there are unique situations that arise, such as when the ball touches the referee and goes out of the field of play. This article explores these specific scenarios and clarifies the outcomes.

The Rules of the Game and Interactions with the Referee

According to the Laws of the Game, the referee is considered part of the field of play. This means that any interaction between the ball and the referee can lead to specific rules governing the restart of the game. If the ball touches the referee while in play and remains on the field, the game continues as normal. However, if the ball touches the referee and goes out of play (either over the touchline or goal line), the game is restarted with a dropped ball at the location where the ball touched the referee.

These regulations are part of the broader governing body of soccer, FIFA, and are designed to maintain the flow and integrity of the game. The Laws of the Game state that the referee's position on the field does not nullify their importance in the game, thus allowing for such unique scenarios to be clearly defined.

Recent Amendments to the Laws of the Game

In 2019, the Laws of the Game were specifically amended to allow for a dropped ball under certain circumstances where the ball hits the referee. This change was made to provide a more fair and consistent restart of the game.

For example, if the ball touches the referee and directly goes out of play (through the goal line or out of the field over the touchline) and would have been out of play after touching the posts (i.e., a "goal"), then it is a dropped ball restart. However, if the ball goes out in any other circumstance due to the direct hit by the referee, it would be treated the same as if the ball had never hit the referee—possession goes to the team that did NOT last touch the ball (throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick).

Special Considerations for Goal Scoring

It's important to note that the scenario of scoring a goal due to the ball touching the referee is slightly different. In such a case, the game would still result in a dropped ball. Historically, if the ball had been out of play after hitting the referee and would have gone directly into the goal, it would have been a throw-in to the team that did not last touch the ball. However, with the current rule change, an uncontested dropped ball is awarded, and possession would revert to the team that had the ball before it struck the referee.

Conclusion

While these unique scenarios are rare, they are indeed part of the broader rules and regulations that govern the game of soccer. Understanding these rules helps maintain a fair and consistent playing field for all teams. From the dropped ball restart to the handling of goal scoring situations, these rules ensure that every game is as exciting and fair as possible. For more information on the Laws of the Game and their application, refer to the official FIFA documentation.

Keywords: soccer rules, referee interaction, dropped ball, game restart