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**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 08:42 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

How many times are there going to be disputes over handling, fouls, and offsides? The most recent occurred in El Clasico involving Braithewaite and defender, Mendy. It was a penalty not called that possibly changed the outcome of the game.

It�s not about how hard the tug was because Braithewaite was running full speed on an angle with his left arm trailing. It does not take much to push the left arm behind the back and cause Braithewaite to twist and lose his balance. Most commentators focus on the strength of the tug, but in this situation it�s not applicable.

What is considered intentional for a handball? Why is this not defined in a clear, consistent manner? The LOTG were changed to make this even more obscure.

Just a thought. Does it really matter if my head was beyond a defender and not my feet if I don�t use my head to score the goal? I don�t see it being any sort of advantage.

i have often thought maybe just simplifying offside to just be foot position would be better. I think it is probably easier to track and seeing a goal pulled back for a guy bent a little forward makes no sense if his feet are even with the defender.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 08:46 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

How many times are there going to be disputes over handling, fouls, and offsides? The most recent occurred in El Clasico involving Braithewaite and defender, Mendy. It was a penalty not called that possibly changed the outcome of the game.

It�s not about how hard the tug was because Braithewaite was running full speed on an angle with his left arm trailing. It does not take much to push the left arm behind the back and cause Braithewaite to twist and lose his balance. Most commentators focus on the strength of the tug, but in this situation it�s not applicable.

What is considered intentional for a handball? Why is this not defined in a clear, consistent manner? The LOTG were changed to make this even more obscure.

Just a thought. Does it really matter if my head was beyond a defender and not my feet if I don�t use my head to score the goal? I don�t see it being any sort of advantage.

I�d be happy just getting refs to apply the LOTG consistently and fairly, especially offsides. Had the winning goal taken away this weekend on a very poor offsides call with only 1 center ref for U15 Boys. Veo video shows the player clearly onsides. Tored of refs changing the outcome of games with incorrect calls.. not the first time this happened, won�t be the last. If it isn�t clearly a violation, why make the call? If there is any doubt, why make the call? If you�re alone in the center, why risk a bad offsides call when you don�t have a good view and admit afteards that the play happened very quickly? Refs have a tough job, but they aren�t doing themselves any favors making incorrect calls. Better to make no call then a bad one...

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 09:13 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

I�d be happy just getting refs to apply the LOTG consistently and fairly, especially offsides. Had the winning goal taken away this weekend on a very poor offsides call with only 1 center ref for U15 Boys. Veo video shows the player clearly onsides. Tored of refs changing the outcome of games with incorrect calls.. not the first time this happened, won�t be the last. If it isn�t clearly a violation, why make the call? If there is any doubt, why make the call? If you�re alone in the center, why risk a bad offsides call when you don�t have a good view and admit afteards that the play happened very quickly? Refs have a tough job, but they aren�t doing themselves any favors making incorrect calls. Better to make no call then a bad one...

You ever be the sole ref and try to make a touchline or offside call? It's near impossible.

Now, ask yourself "why was there only one ref"? And, then read this post and you have your answer.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 09:24 AM

You could have 5 referees miss an offsides call with the way the LOTG read. How can one referee watch a player pass a ball forward and see where players are at the time the ball is kicked? In one second, player positions change substantially. It�s clear that professional referees get it wrong, sometimes even looking at VAR. So why should we expect amateur youth soccer referees to interpret the LOTG and get it right?

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

You ever be the sole ref and try to make a touchline or offside call? It's near impossible.

Now, ask yourself "why was there only one ref"? And, then read this post and you have your answer.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

You could have 5 referees miss an offsides call with the way the LOTG read. How can one referee watch a player pass a ball forward and see where players are at the time the ball is kicked? In one second, player positions change substantially. It�s clear that professional referees get it wrong, sometimes even looking at VAR. So why should we expect amateur youth soccer referees to interpret the LOTG and get it right?

In short, we shouldn't. Just accept that refs (like players, coaches, and parents) are doing the best they can and understand a blown call isn't anything to come crying to TS about. Life goes on. It's youth soccer for Christ' sake. The poster who have their panties STILL in a knot a day later about a game involving 14-year olds needs to get a grip on life.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 09:56 AM

Don't bitch. Become a ref. Here's the link: https://www.massref.net/

How many of you complainers will become refs? I predict zero... The current ref shortage is because of you who are complaining about things you know nothing about. It takes time to become good at anything and your bad attitudes are what is preventing these young refs from getting the experience they need. YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. As a coach and ref I beg you to stay home.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 10:00 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

I�d be happy just getting refs to apply the LOTG consistently and fairly, especially offsides. Had the winning goal taken away this weekend on a very poor offsides call with only 1 center ref for U15 Boys. Veo video shows the player clearly onsides. Tored of refs changing the outcome of games with incorrect calls.. not the first time this happened, won�t be the last. If it isn�t clearly a violation, why make the call? If there is any doubt, why make the call? If you�re alone in the center, why risk a bad offsides call when you don�t have a good view and admit afteards that the play happened very quickly? Refs have a tough job, but they aren�t doing themselves any favors making incorrect calls. Better to make no call then a bad one...

In youth sports this falls into the category of **it happens. I've been a ref. You do your best to call the game as you see it. If from your angle it looks offside, you call it. You might be wrong but you can only call what you're seeing. You can't adopt an "I'll only call it if it's REALLY offside" mentality. The best you can do is call it as you see it. Part of sports is dealing with those situations.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 10:03 AM

There is no one crying here. It�s a discussion thread. The original post was about professional soccer and the obscure and often misinterpreted LOTG. Blown calls can change the outcome of games, and we continue to rely on refs different interpretations of obscure LOTG. We have to accept this imperfect system at youth soccer and use it under staffed, under experienced and under trained at times. I respect how difficult it is to referee, and food for thought is how can the LOTG become more objective, consistent and clear to help refs?

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

In short, we shouldn't. Just accept that refs (like players, coaches, and parents) are doing the best they can and understand a blown call isn't anything to come crying to TS about. Life goes on. It's youth soccer for Christ' sake. The poster who have their panties STILL in a knot a day later about a game involving 14-year olds needs to get a grip on life.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 10:09 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

There is no one crying here. It�s a discussion thread. The original post was about professional soccer and the obscure and often misinterpreted LOTG. Blown calls can change the outcome of games, and we continue to rely on refs different interpretations of obscure LOTG. We have to accept this imperfect system at youth soccer and use it under staffed, under experienced and under trained at times. I respect how difficult it is to referee, and food for thought is how can the LOTG become more objective, consistent and clear to help refs?

Nah...it was crying:

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Had the winning goal taken away this weekend on a very poor offsides call with only 1 center ref for U15 Boys. Veo video shows the player clearly onsides. Tored of refs changing the outcome of games with incorrect calls.. not the first time this happened, won�t be the last. If it isn�t clearly a violation, why make the call? If there is any doubt, why make the call? If you�re alone in the center, why risk a bad offsides call when you don�t have a good view and admit afteards that the play happened very quickly? Refs have a tough job, but they aren�t doing themselves any favors making incorrect calls. Better to make no call then a bad one...

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

You could have 5 referees miss an offsides call with the way the LOTG read. How can one referee watch a player pass a ball forward and see where players are at the time the ball is kicked? In one second, player positions change substantially. It�s clear that professional referees get it wrong, sometimes even looking at VAR. So why should we expect amateur youth soccer referees to interpret the LOTG and get it right?

First, it�s offside, not �offsides�. If you are going to bitch like some authority then use the right word.

Second, that�s why there are line refs. Coaches, parents, players cannot track everyone�s position unless they are totally focused on that last defender and who was in motion near them. Human nature is to follow the ball so most have no clue when there is an offside. Refs aren�t perfect, but that�s part of the game. If you had to consult game video to confirm, then it wasn�t an obvious call.

My understanding is that there is a LOTG change for unintentional handballs in the works.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 10:20 AM

So my takeaway...

1) Poster said refs have a tough job.
2) Poster stated only 1 referee in a U15 game and politely set the table. Understaffing set this referee up for failure. How can 1 ref enforce the LOTG effectively in this situation?
3) It is clear that the referee made a call on an often disputed LOTG, offsides.

Parents and players accepted the bad call, but no one says they have to like it.

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Nah...it was crying:

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 10:21 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

So my takeaway...

1) Poster said refs have a tough job.
2) Poster stated only 1 referee in a U15 game and politely set the table. Understaffing set this referee up for failure. How can 1 ref enforce the LOTG effectively in this situation?
3) It is clear that the referee made a call on an often disputed LOTG, offsides.

Parents and players accepted the bad call, but no one says they have to like it.

Nah, it's crying.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 10:30 AM

FIFA law 11 actually uses the term offsides in it. Thanks for playing. In the poster�s situation, there were no line refs at a u15 game. Good to know about handling changes coming again where the errant lay took arm in unnatural position out a couple of years ago.

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

First, it�s offside, not �offsides�. If you are going to bitch like some authority then use the right word.

Second, that�s why there are line refs. Coaches, parents, players cannot track everyone�s position unless they are totally focused on that last defender and who was in motion near them. Human nature is to follow the ball so most have no clue when there is an offside. Refs aren�t perfect, but that�s part of the game. If you had to consult game video to confirm, then it wasn�t an obvious call.

My understanding is that there is a LOTG change for unintentional handballs in the works.

**Unregistered** · 04-12-2021, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

FIFA law 11 actually uses the term offsides in it. Thanks for playing. In the poster�s situation, there were no line refs at a u15 game. Good to know about handling changes coming again where the errant lay took arm in unnatural position out a couple of years ago.

Wrong. Please point to where it says �offsides� in Law 11.
https://resources.fifa.com/image/upl...dsi8jrrd3e4imp