Recent content by biffnix

In USSF and AYSO here in the states, we refer to it as the "ladder of control." The recommended escalation is represented as a rung on the ladder. Step 1: It begins with non-verbal warning (a stern look, a shake of the head, that sort of thing) Step 2: You ask for the player to comply...

Saw this on reddit, and I gotta admit it got to me...

Heh. Yeah, I read that line and thought the same thing ("are we not allowed to do something about it?!"). Riiiiiiight. Anyway, yes, I don't see much crowding the ref in the Premier League, so that's why I was asking. Honestly, I don't see it much in MLS either, but it does happen from time...

I suppose that sort of depends on the sport. Yes, there are always some parents that go ballistic on occasion. But at least where I live (rural California), it's not a big issue. I'm on the board of our local AYSO Region (youth soccer), and our biggest problem every year are parents for U10...

Very similar to Dan's for most matches (except for the pint after the game for my youth matches!). American High School rules (non-FIFA matches) actually require a brief talk about sportsmanship, confirmation from both coaches that their teams are "legally and properly equipped" and that both...

So this season, MLS here in the US is instituting sanctions against "crowding the ref" after a decision or incident. Here's a link to the article. Teams who instigate a "mass confrontation" with the referee (think Barcelona after a call they don't like) can be subject to a $5,000 fine, and...

While I agree in some respects, I disagree on the "filter down" concern. Right now, we have FIFA refs with beep flags and radio communication that I have NEVER seen in youth matches of any level. Yet, they manage to run entire youth leagues with no trouble. Referee training still works, since...

I welcome the use of goal line technology, but I haven't read how it'll be implemented. Anyone have a link? I'm just wondering how the sequence will play out, and who is responsible for notifying the referee. Let's take Lampard's non-goal in the last world cup. The sequence might go: Shot...

I think it's a great idea. MLS here in the US has supported it from the beginning, but it looks like it won't come here until 2015 or so. Not that we don't want it, but apparently there are only those two vendors, and not enough FIFA approved staff to install it in all of our MLS stadiums...

Wow. Just, wow. And the assailant was also a police officer. Crazy. Here's the article, translated from Spanish: Article From Google Translate

That's a great idea, MattyontheWhistle. I hadn't thought of that, so I'll at least give it a try. If it works, I'll have my second watch! Oh, I got my Spintso last night - came in the mail by the time I got home (*after* my playoff match, of course!) I must admit it's a pretty cool piece of...

Well, there you go then! Looks like the referee had it right on all counts!

Yes, I think the proper sequence would be to caution the sub who entered the field without permission, remove him/her from the field of play, then restart with an IDFK on the goal line, parallel to the goal line, nearest where the ball was when play was stopped. I'm pretty sure the caution can...

Surely the restart must be a dropped ball, due to the interference with play by an outside agent, yes? The substitute would be considered an outside agent. If a substitute enters the field of play without permission, the referee must stop play (although not immediately, if the outside agent...

Just FYI, USSF recommendation is that it is assumed that the ball on restarts shall be stationary. Here's the response as given back in 2007: http://www.askasoccerreferee.com/?p=141 Joe G.