EFFICIENT REFEREEING SYSTEM
EFFICIENT REFEREEING SYSTEM
By: Dino Soupliotis
Montreal, October 30, 2007
1. Important Note: I would like to make it very clear to everyone that I am in harmony and in complete co-operation with our governing body, FIFA, which I served for many years up to my retirement.
2. I believe FIFA is doing everything possible in order to improve the Laws of the Game and to solve any arising problems.
3. As a prelude to what follows, it is my obligation to stress the indirect yet outstanding contribution of Mr. Jack Warner, VP of FIFA and president of CONCACAF.
4. In my efforts to prepare a white paper on an Efficient Refereeing System, I was very fortunate to have his continuous support throughout.
5. On each of the several occasions that I had to discuss refereeing matters with him, Mr. Warner has always expressed his appreciation for my work and wholeheartedly encouraged me to fine-tune my thoughts on the matter.
6. In this matter and difficult task, I had enormous help and support from Mr. Pari Arshagouni, a bright referee who has supported me in many projects all through my refereeing activities.
7. Through the long-lasting friendship and his eloquent understanding of the Game, Pari has been instrumental in challenging my ideas, making me look at angles that I had not thought of and, finally, kept up with my constraints in the writing of this proposal.
8. This work that is now being presented to you for consideration stems from questions that I have thought over and over during the past decade;
9. Issues that I had tumbling in my mind and tried to look at from every viewpoint; game situations which I watched with dismay as they destroyed the spirit of the Game;
10. Finally, the solutions that I have tried in practice for long abroad and have convinced me of the correctness in the basic principles which I suggest are implemented.
11. The strongest action of an Efficient Refereeing System needs to be directed at the root of the leading source of trouble: GAMESMANSHIP!
12. Far too many teams employ disgraceful methods in order to win a game. I have myself, in my playing years before becoming a referee, been subjected to the necessity …….
13. … of using illegal means, forced to use my limited abilities and skills on the field merely to destroy the opponents’ plans through intimidation and bad fouls.
14. Rich from my personal experience I can by far better understand what goes on the field of play when egos and financial considerations clash under the cover of a game!
15. Unfortunately, today’s society provides fertile ground for wrong-doing in the name of a valid objective: WINNING.
16. Saddened by the unacceptable problems which occur on the field of play for many years now and motivated by the urgency to stomp methods which undermine the beauty of the Game
17. I decided to start digging for possible solutions and innovations which may help us get rid of the malice on the field.
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18. PRINCIPLES MATTERS FOR AN EFFICIENT REFEREEING SYSTEM:
19. In the recent years, great effort has been made for the referees to be assisted in carrying out their extremely difficult duties in the most efficient manner.
20. Within the scope of such efforts, we appealed to the latest technology of electronic equipment regardless of its cost.
21. We should definitely all appreciate very much an effort. However, the results were not very encouraging.
22. At this point, it is very important to express what is absolutely very clear in my mind.
23. We should make every possible effort in order to find ways so that our beautiful Game is controlled a 100% by humans.
24. However, if finally technology prevails and gets control of our game that will mean - this is a fact in my mind - which technology will in essence be the referee of the game.
25. It is my opinion, the technology which should be used today - in order to help our referees in all grades and not just at the international matches etc, is to provide at an affordable price ….
26. …. a microphone and an earphone; that all officials involved in a game should use in order to communicate with the referee at any given time. An efficient communication is a very top priority at all times.
27. We should always keep in mind that the Game requires a referee to be where the play is played at all times; no more or less.
28. Monitoring offside, the taking of penalty kicks, & determining if the ball crosses the goal line is a superhuman feat:
29. I have always believed that monitoring these types of situations is humanly impossible if we are to fully respect today’s Laws of the Game (details and video clips to follow).
30. I also pledge that we ensure our game remains natural one as it has for centuries.
31. Our Game is by far the most popular game in the world, because of its simplicity and purity. Human involvement is an important factor in this naturalness, whether as a player or as a referee.
32. Our game, if judged using technology, will definitely be rejected by the spectators and fans of our beautiful Game worldwide.
33. If we accept the introduction of video replay technology into the Laws of the Game, for example to determine if the ball passed over the goal line or not, continue…..
34. …. we are fracturing the Game into a lot of pieces and are opening up the door for unlimited demands from countries all over the world.
35. They could demand the use of technology to determine the correctness of other decisions taken by the referees such as penalty kick situations, serious fouls play, and countless other situations.
36. This could mean the end for our beautiful game as we once knew it.
37. Or, imagine a scenario where every team would have the right to ask for temporary stoppage of the Game to request a video review in order to find out what really happened.
38. This would seriously interrupt the flow of the game, to a point where it might forever change the face of Football as we knew it.
39. Moreover, if it were deemed acceptable to use video replay technology at top-level matches such as World Cup, UEFA etc., how would the other members and countries belonging to FIFA react?
40. Who would pay the costly expenses for the necessary equipment as well as for the technicians required to operate this equipment?
41. Football is by far the most popular Game in the world for centuries. Up until now it has been played and controlled by humans only; a fact that makes Football the Game that millions & millions of people all over the world play and love so much.
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THE REFEREEING MECHANICS THAT I AM ENVISAGING ARE BASED ON FOLLOWING ASPECTS:
THE SUGGESTED SOLUTION
Because, I am heavily against the use of technology as a substitute for human appreciation and action; the solution lies in multiplying the human supervision on the field.
AN EFFICIENT REFEREEING SYSTEM
SHOULD BE BUILT ON A GROUP OF
TWO REFEREES AND FOUR ASSISTANT REFEREES
THE 2 JUNIOR & THE 2 SENIOR.
47.I am convinced beyond any doubt that had this system been in place during the World Cup 2006 Final in Germany, the Zidane-Materazzi incident would have never happened.
48.Many other gamesmanship incidents which occurred during the World Cup in Germany would not have occurred as well, and many went unpunished.
49. Also, we are currently witnessing live televised games where similar violent incidents are occurring on a daily basis, again most of them going unpunished.
50.More importantly, we are witnessing not just similar, but violent incidents. The most disturbing are the violent situations that are occurring during amateur competitions all over the world; it is a matter that should not be tolerated.
51. This is the reasons as to why I am proposing that 6 Humans and ONLY Humans should control all games regardless of its category or competition.
52.The referee, surprisingly, would not have to run much; it would be at a minimum.
53. All players and specifically those close to the action or play would think twice about any unsportsmanlike behavior; because a referee would be beside them at all times.
54. As a rule, a referee regardless of his age (unprecedented in the history of our Game) will be close to play at all times, regardless of where the play is or how fast it is being played.
55.The fitness test should include simple criteria that would prove that the referee in question is capable of moving and running short distances in an efficient manner.
56. We should always keep in our minds that the Game requires a referee to be where the play is played at all times; no more or less.
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ON THE FIELD OF PLAY
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF:
The 2 Referees and the 4 Assistant Referees
59.As per the Laws of the Game, the field of play is divided into two equal parts.
60.Each of the two referees should be responsible for each half of the field of play.
61. The 2 referees should toss a coin in the dressing room to decide which half of the field each will patrol.
62. When a team is advanced in their opponents’ area, the referee who is covering this area should be in control.
63. However, the other referee should advance up to center circle.
64.From there, he should observe all that is happening deep on the other side of the field ……
65. …and should be ready to assist his colleague, e.g. if for any reason he misses an infraction of the Laws of the Game.
66. Of course, he should be ready to return to his own area and he should again assume his responsibilities before the players enter into his half of the field.
67. They are supposed to cover and be responsible for any incident occurring in their half of the field.
68. However, there will definitely be cases where their duties may overlap.
69. For example, by some human oversight one referee may miss a serious foul play in his half of the field.
70. In such a case, the other referee (assuming he is certain of what happened) should blow his whistle and …….
71. ..… indicate where the offence occurred as well as the appropriate punishment.
72. However, if microphone technology is available, it will not be necessary for the other referee to…..
73. …. blow his whistle in order to inform the referee in charge what really happened.
74. During the second half of the Game, the referees should continue officiating in the same half of the field …..
75. …. as the first half of the game, despite the fact that the teams switch halves, as per the Laws of the Game.
76. The fact that the two referees remain in the same area will help the Game and the two referees as well, for the simple ….
77. …. reason that both referees will be dealing mostly with a new group of players and this makes for a calmer atmosphere.
78. During the first half time of the Game, both referees will have the opportunity to observe how the players from both teams work ….
79. …. and react on the other side of the field, including gamesmanship actions, their attitude and behavior, during play and stoppages …..
80.…. as well as many other matters that could help the referees to carry out their duties in the most efficient manner at the second half of the game.
81. Finally, both referees will be already aware of any unsporting players’ attitudes and tactics, such as who is doing what ….
82. …. and how against their opponents, as well as any other matters/tactics that could be helpful to the two referees …..
83. …. in carrying out their duties during the second half of the game in most efficient manner.
84. If for any reason, a serious problem occurs on the field of play and the game has to be abandoned …..
85. …. the referee responsible for that side of the field should be the one to decide if the game is to continue or be stopped temporarily for few minutes or if it is to be abandoned.
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86. THE 4 ASSISTANT REFEREES (2 Senior & 2 Junior)
87 a The two of the Assistant Referees named Junior will work and carry out exactly the same duties on the field of play just as they have been doing for a very long time up today,…..
87 b…..with the exception of the fact that they will not to have to look if the ball pas over the goal line in all of its length.
88. The 2 new proposed Assistant Referees named Senior are the one that they will make the really big difference and the 2nd major change.
89. They are supposed to be experienced referees, and not just Assistant Referees.
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90. THEIR DUTIES SHOULD BE THE FOLLOWING:
91.To indicate during the play if the ball passes completely over the goal line in all of its length.
92. To supervise the taking of the corner kicks on their side.
93. To indicate infractions to the referee with his flag when the ball is played in the area (or close to it) which includes …?
94. …. the space Bordered by the touch line, the goal line and the line marking the penalty area of 16.5 meters long.
95. This means the referee will not have to run deep in to his diagonal movement
96. …. so, the referee will be free to deal and control play in the penalty area.
97. Since the players will be aware that the referee is now much closer to them in the penalty area …..
98. .... they will definitely avoid committing any gamesmanship act or violent actions etc. as well as foul plays.
99. The senior assistant referee should also supervise the taking of throw-ins but, he should make sure to stay close to the corner flag.
100The New Assistant Referees being and moving at all tines on the goal-line (in their own area they should assist & indicate to the referee foul plays, always as per the Pre-Game Instruction by the referees.
101. THE TAKING OF A PENALTY KICK AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SENIOR ASSISTANT REFEREE:
102. During the taking of a penalty kick, the Senior AR should assume a position very close to the back of the net - in the middle of the goalpost…..
103. ….. and the only thing that he should focus on is the back part of the goalkeeper’s shoes and the ball (both should be in the same line of view).
104. From that position he will have an excellent view and it would be extremely easy without moving his head at all ….
105 …. to see the ball and the goalkeeper’s shoes at the same time.
106. So, if the goalie moves his foot off the goal line towards to the field -even slightly- prior of the kick of the ball and saves the penalty kick, or if the ball goes directly out of the goalpost, the Assistant Referee should immediately race his flag up.
107. Indicating to the referee that an infraction of the Law 14 has occurred (the goalie moves forwards prior to the kicking of the ball). The Referee should stop the play immediately and apply the Law of the Game.
108. Note: From this position, the Assistant referees should be able to detect even the slightest forward movement of the goalie.
109. He should also, supervise the taking of throw-ins, but he should make sure to stay close to the corner flag.
110. Important note: From the methods described above, it is obvious that the 2 Referees will cover a square area which should give them the opportunity to have total control ….
111. …. of what is going on anywhere in the field, and always as per the needs of the Game.
112. Please do not forget that the 2 Referees will now have 4 assistants to help them at any given time.
LAW 11 - OFFSIDE:
113.Law 11 is the one Law that is causing a lot of problems to everyone all over the world. Be it associations, leagues, clubs, players, referees and spectators, all involved in our sport suffer a lot.
114.Besides, it causes a lot of behavioral problems on the field as fights, cautions and ejections of players, managers, etc. stem from different interpretations.
115 I am continuously watching daily TV broadcasting of games played all over the world. The action replays where the officials are seen to have failed in offside situations are far too frequent.
116. Judging from my own experience as a player in a senior team when I was16 years old, I gather the problem existed even then, in my first participation in a senior game – and that was 1949!
117.There can only be one solution: Law 11 should be changed in such way that it would be helpful to the Game.
118. In my presentation concerning an Efficient Refereeing System you would find the answer needed.
119. The Law 11, as it is written today, is impossible to be applied on the field of play in an efficient manner ……
120 ….. and this is regardless of the experience and abilities of any Assistant Referee involved.
121. At almost every game – and this is a fact - the officials fail to apply Law 11.
122. The reason is very simple: they have to simultaneously follow all of the movements of the defenders as well as those of the attackers …..
123. …. and they must also keep track of who among them is the last second defender.
124. This is because the Law 11 does not take into consideration the Officials human’s abilities.
125. For example, the Assistant Referees is supposed to simultaneously be aware of the following:
126. If an attacker is interfering with an opponent
127. If an attacker is interfering with play
128. If an attacker is gaining an advantage by being in that offside position.
129. If an attacker who is involved with the play is in line with the second last opponent or not.
130. Imagine a situation where the defenders and the attackers are moving in a split second in all kinds of directions a few meters away from the goal line…..
131. …. this happens very often at any game. In cases like this, there are bound to be a lot of wrong decisions.
132. In these cases how is it possible for any Human (the Assistant Referee) to follow these constantly moving defenders and attackers and then to make the correct decision?
133. More importantly, how can the Assistant Referee being far from the incident make a justified decision if the attacker(s) is really interfering with the play or not?
134. If we take into consideration the human limitations and abilities, then we will find……
135. …..that it is impossible for any human to correctly apply Law 11 as it is written now.
136. Furthermore, we need to consider the fact that the attacking players will intentionally make fake and misleading movements ….
137. ..... which definitely make it very difficult for the Assistant referee to make a correct decision.
138. Having the above in mind please put yourself in the Assistant Referee’s position for a moment. I have no doubt that you will reconsider the entire offside Law.
139. But in addition to the facts mentioned above we have to consider also, the fact that the Assistant Referees are humans and not SUPERMEN.
140. An attacker being in control of the ball about 25 meters from the opponents goal, and is preparing to pass the ball forward to one of his teammate.
141. The Assistant Referee has to turn his head in order to be detecting the moment that the ball will be kicked forwards.
142.However, at the moment that the Assistant Referee was witnessing the attacker kicking the ball forwards, a defender – after the kick of the ball –advances forwards in order to create a technical offside situation for his opponent.
143.The Assistant Referee, when he momentarily turns his head to observe the moment the attacker kicks the ball forward, upon turning his view back on the play – there appears to be an attacker in an offside position.
144. - although in reality the attacker had never moved forwards – but rather it was the defender who retreated at the moment the referee had his head turned to observe the initial kick.
145.Myself, at the end of my very long career as a referee (I started refereeing the year 1953 in Greece) I serviced the NASL for the last two years as a FIFA referee (1979 and 1980), then I had to retire due to the FIFA age limitations.
146. Just after my retirement I served the NASL as an assessor for all the games played in Montreal - 3 seasons outdoor and one season indoor.
147.During those 4 seasons I am thankful, I had all the opportunities needed to understand that, I was terribly wrong in not agreeing with the NASL, as far its offside law concerning – I will never forgive myself for this matter.
148. I served the NASL for 6 years but more specifically for the last 4 years as an assessor. In this time, I never found an Assistant Referee to be wrong in his decisions concerning offsite situations.
149. The success of the NASL as far as the offside situations was 100% obvious, there were never any complaints concerning offside from any team, during all those seasons that I was responsible.
150. When I became a FIFA Instructor, I had the honor to be assigned to carry out many referees’ courses for FIFA. However, I always instructed all the officials the offside Law as it is described in the FIFA book of Laws.
151. I knew I was wrong but I had to respect and work with the FIFA Laws & standards.
152. However, respecting our governing body, FIFA, up to this moment I have never expressed or even spoke to anyone in the world …..
153. …. concerning my theories regarding the advantages of the way offside were handled in the NASL.
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FINAL SOLUTION
154.FIFA to modify Law 11 in such a way as the NASL rules was concerning offside.
155. We have to mark 2 straight lines (preferably of bright yellow colour) running parallel to the goal lines and at 35 yards from each goal line……..
……The assistant referees will move from their respective corners to the edge of the 35-yard line on their side (they will not have to go to the center line).
156. From that position all they have to do is to check if the ball passes the yellow line first (before an attacker enters the attacking zone between the 35-yard line and the opponents’ goal line).
157. If the ball crosses first the assistant referee should follow the play in order to assist the referee as the per pre-game instructions.
158.If an attacker crosses the 35-yard line first (i.e. before the ball) the assistant referee should immediately bring his flag up indicating an offside infringement.
159.It is very easy to judge and simplifies the offside law. At the same time, it serves the purpose of the offside law, i.e. to stomp attackers merely waiting for the ball near the opponents’ goal.
160. Please, view and analyze the included Game Incidents with whom I am supporting my propositions. There you could find all the explanations needed.
161. However, if it will be required more copies just let me know how many copies you need and it would be my pleasure to send them to you immediately.
With my highest regards,
Constantinos Soupliotis
Adresse: 2484 Ste-Hélène, Lngueuil Québec, Canada J4K 3V1
Phone: 450 / 670 2210
Fax: 450 / 670 0055
Mobile: 514 / 244 9174
Web Site: http://www.dinosoupliotis.com
Email: dino@soupliotis.com
Constantinos Dino Soupliotis
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