It was nice to see everyone back on the pitch for another highly anticipated spring league. On a weekly basis I’ll share some referee insights for both spring league and FIFA rules so that you can completely understand a referee’s perspective and never question a call again. I’ll touch on what I’m seeing on the field and hand out what I’m sure will become a weekly must read, the Blue Card Award of the week.
Spring League Rule – no deliberate going to ground. Tackling is obvious. Sliding or placing a hand or knee on the ground to block a shot is prohibited and will at minimum result in an indirect free kick. It could be a penalty if inside the box. I called a few and let a few go for those players I recognized as new to the league. Accidental ground touching is allowed. If you attempt to play the ball when on the ground, FIFA kicks in and tells us referees to blow the whistle for an indirect free kick.
Overall, the play was great on Monday. Some shedding of fall and winter league energy is required so that the spring league fun can kick in.
The Referee’s Blue Card Award will be given randomly to something truly deserving. Only Spring league referees can hand out this prestigious award and the criteria to win it can not be shared and is protected under Referee oath.
Two honourable Blue Card Award Mentions
- George White, now aptly named George Blue for handing out three Blue cards in one game. The poor guy will be doing paperwork all night and attending multiple disciplinary meetings.
- Yellow Team Captain Megan Branch leading by example and putting it all on the line with an amazing diving header /double scorpion reverse kick attempt for the ages.
This week’s winner, The Ball. As teams got used to one another with some players looking to regain their spring league touch, the ball was frankly, relentless. Multiple open field tackles, subtle trips, egregious fence clearings, and a few complete yard sales I will not mention were witnessed. Congratulations to the Ball!