If the ball hits the referee in football, play is immediately stopped, and the game is restarted with a dropped ball to the team that was last in possession. This rule applies regardless of whether the referee's touch led to a goal, a change of possession, or a promising attack.
This current interpretation of the Laws of the Game, introduced in recent seasons, simplifies a previously more complex rule. The aim is to ensure fairness and avoid situations where an accidental touch by an official could unfairly influence the outcome of the game.
The Rule Explained
The Laws of the Game dictate specific procedures for when the ball makes contact with the referee (or any other match official on the field). The key aspects are:
- Immediate Stoppage: As soon as the ball touches a match official within the field of play, the game must be halted. This is a significant change from older rules where play might have continued if the official's involvement was deemed not to have significantly impacted the game.
- Irrespective of Outcome: The consequence of the touch no longer matters. Whether it sets up a goal-scoring opportunity, changes possession, or goes out of play, the game stops.
- Restart with Dropped Ball: The game restarts with a dropped ball. The specific procedure for this dropped ball is crucial:
- If the ball touched the referee inside the penalty area, the dropped ball is given to the defending goalkeeper.
- If the ball touched the referee outside the penalty area, the dropped ball is given to the team that was last in possession, at the spot where contact occurred. The referee drops the ball for one player of that team. All other players (of both teams) must remain at least 4 meters (4.5 yards) away until the ball has touched the ground.
Key Aspects of Referee Interference
To clarify the current rule, here's a summary of its core components:
| Aspect | Current Rule |
|---|---|
| Play Stoppage | Immediate stop of play when the ball touches a match official on the field. |
| Impact on Game Outcome | Stoppage occurs regardless of whether a goal, change of possession, or promising attack resulted. |
| Restart Procedure | Dropped ball. |
| Restart Location | At the spot where the ball touched the official. |
| Possession for Restart | To the team that was last in possession (or goalkeeper if inside penalty area). |
Why the Rule Changed
Historically, if the ball hit the referee and stayed in play, the game would continue unless the referee's involvement led directly to a goal, a change of possession, or the start of a promising attack. This often led to controversial situations and heated debates about whether the referee's position had unfairly influenced the game.
The current rule, updated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), aims to remove subjectivity and potential for unfair advantage. By stopping play every time, it simplifies the decision-making process for officials and ensures that no team gains an unfair benefit (or disadvantage) from an accidental deflection off a match official. It promotes fair play by ensuring that a referee's presence does not inadvertently alter the flow or outcome of the game.
Practical Examples
Consider these scenarios under the current rule:
- Scenario 1: Goal-scoring opportunity thwarted. A player is through on goal, shoots, and the ball deflects off the referee's back, preventing a clear shot.
- Outcome: Play is stopped immediately. The ball is dropped to the attacking team's player at the spot where it hit the referee (or to the goalkeeper if it was inside the penalty area).
- Scenario 2: Accidental assist. A defender clears the ball, it hits the referee, and deflects directly to an opposing attacker, creating a sudden opportunity.
- Outcome: Play is stopped immediately. The ball is dropped back to the defending team's player (or goalkeeper if in the penalty area).
- Scenario 3: Ball goes out of bounds. A pass hits the referee and goes out for a throw-in or goal kick.
- Outcome: Play is stopped immediately. The game restarts with a dropped ball to the team that last had possession, not a throw-in or goal kick.
This rule emphasizes that match officials are part of the field of play but should not influence the game's dynamic flow.
