Even ‘experts’ don’t know the laws of the game

Paul Spacey

SILVER ELITE
This is an article from a national newspaper in England and there were countless pundits and so-called ‘experts’ saying the same thing this past weekend after England’s goal following Joe Gomez’s long throw.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.th...roatia-should-not-have-counted-joe-gomez/amp/

Gomez’s foot was partially on the touchline and partially on the field; completely LEGAL in the laws of the game but another example that very few people actually understand the laws and how they are applied.

Makes it even harder for referees when parents, fans, pundits, coaches and experts don’t know the laws and then whine and complain when they think they have been ‘cheated’.
 
Assuming this is the throw in question, looks like his foot is on the line --

JoeGomezEnglandpng.png
 
F4B40379-8DDA-4FA2-ADE9-6983901FDCB9.jpeg

From another angle, it is clear his foot is partly on the line and partly on the field which is fine, despite 99% of people (including most AR’s), thinking it is not allowed.
 
This is an article from a national newspaper in England and there were countless pundits and so-called ‘experts’ saying the same thing this past weekend after England’s goal following Joe Gomez’s long throw.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.th...roatia-should-not-have-counted-joe-gomez/amp/

Gomez’s foot was partially on the touchline and partially on the field; completely LEGAL in the laws of the game but another example that very few people actually understand the laws and how they are applied.

Makes it even harder for referees when parents, fans, pundits, coaches and experts don’t know the laws and then whine and complain when they think they have been ‘cheated’.
Very true. But we all know players don't really know the laws. Lee Dixon is generally pretty good, but he got this one wrong as well. As for parents...:rolleyes:

Incidentally, Liverpool actually have a dedicated throw-in coach. Maybe it's something Gomez has been taught. :p
 
Based on experience, I can agree that 99% of non-referees might not know the law, but would disagree about most AR's.
I’m open to being wrong but I tell you genuinely that this situation has occurred 5 or 6 times this season in games I have coached. I spoke to each AR individually and all of them (100%) disagreed with me and maintained that I was incorrect on the point of law.

Small sample size I know!
 
I’m open to being wrong but I tell you genuinely that this situation has occurred 5 or 6 times this season in games I have coached. I spoke to each AR individually and all of them (100%) disagreed with me and maintained that I was incorrect on the point of law.

Small sample size I know!
c'mon Paul.... you're watching the feet of the players throwing every ball in? I don't think so.... ;)
 
c'mon Paul.... you're watching the feet of the players throwing every ball in? I don't think so.... ;)
I’m a 20-year ref, I can’t help it! :)

When AR’s give a foul throw, I usually ask why (so I can correct my player) and when the response is “his foot wasn’t behind the line” I can’t help but make a point. Yes, they think I’m a dick and of course I could just say nothing but I believe they have to learn and if I don’t tell them, I know for sure the majority won’t go and learn it on their own (they already know it all!) ;)
 
I've even heard some disappointing stuff from ex-refs who are now the "resident experts" on the panel. Especially when it comes to the law changes and changed interpretations. Soccer is not the same game as it was in the 90's. Even our definition of what is a careless and reckless foul has changed dramatically. The English are still caught up in romanticizing the leg breaking tackles of the 80's/90's that are okay because of "ball first".
 
What do you mean most ARs? Where do you see these supposed ARs who do not think this is legal?
Relax. I’m not picking on you directly Mr FIFA logo. I made a point of saying my sample size is small (half a dozen or so AR’s in club soccer)...but it’s a point nonetheless; not a single AR I have asked this question has known that your feet are essentially allowed on the field (providing heels are touching the touchline). I’m guessing you do know this part of the law though?
 
Relax. I’m not picking on you directly Mr FIFA logo. I made a point of saying my sample size is small (half a dozen or so AR’s in club soccer)...but it’s a point nonetheless; not a single AR I have asked this question has known that your feet are essentially allowed on the field (providing heels are touching the touchline). I’m guessing you do know this part of the law though?
As a long time referee, assessor and instructor, I have yet to meet a referee who didn't know this.
 
I’m a 20-year ref, I can’t help it! :)

When AR’s give a foul throw, I usually ask why (so I can correct my player) and when the response is “his foot wasn’t behind the line” I can’t help but make a point. Yes, they think I’m a dick and of course I could just say nothing but I believe they have to learn and if I don’t tell them, I know for sure the majority won’t go and learn it on their own (they already know it all!) ;)
I must say, you are one of a kind. In my coaching days, I spent my energy on technique and team strategies. How and what referees did was the least of my concerns.
 
As a long time referee, assessor and instructor, I have yet to meet a referee who didn't know this.
As a long time referee (20 years), player and coach...I have yet to meet an AR that does know this (in youth soccer anyway). Perhaps you’re meeting all of the ‘good’ ones ;)
 
I must say, you are one of a kind. In my coaching days, I spent my energy on technique and team strategies. How and what referees did was the least of my concerns.
Exactly. I’m one of a kind. If you spent your energy on ‘technique and team strategies’, I’m guessing your teams didn’t do too well. That’s what I would expect a coach with close to zero experience to say, in almost those exact words (although perhaps adding the word ‘hustle’ somewhere).
 
Exactly. I’m one of a kind. If you spent your energy on ‘technique and team strategies’, I’m guessing your teams didn’t do too well. That’s what I would expect a coach with close to zero experience to say, in almost those exact words (although perhaps adding the word ‘hustle’ somewhere).
Actually, when they played against teams with the type of coach you describe yourself as, they looked like geniuses.
 
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