1983 MEMORANDUM

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Comments:

(7) .... Throwing the ball into the air [by the goalkeeper] and catching it
before it hits the ground is considered possession.... Throwing the ball
into the air and allowing it to hit the ground is considered releasing the
ball....



Advice to Referees:



(2) Allow goalkeepers to use steps in order to gain full control of their
bodies and the ball. The steps should not be counted as part of the four
step limit.



(3) Allow the goalkeeper time to make decisions regarding where and when to
distribute the ball while holding it. Ensure that this use of time is
reasonable. Excessive delay in releasing the ball into play must be punished
as time-wasting.



(4) Be firm in not allowing opposing players to interfere, in any way, with
the goalkeeper's attempt to release the ball into play.



Reminder on Encroachment



The USSF Referee Committee has expressed a concern that the practice of
encroachment at the taking of a free-kick is becoming more prevalent at all
levels of competition. Referees are reminded that the Law is quite clear:



a. When a player is taking a direct or indirect free-kick, all of the
opposing players shall be at least ten yards from the ball until it is in
play and

b. players who do not retire to the proper distance when a free-kick is
taken must be cautioned and on any repetition be ordered off.

It is particularly requested of referees that attempts to delay the taking
of a free-kick by encroaching should be treated as serious misconduct.



Notes:

1. Remember that, when a team has been penalized by the award of a
free-kick, the players have no rights or privileges to defend against the
kick by interfering through encroachments.

2. The players of the penalized team have the responsibility not to
interfere and to retire the proper distance.

3. There are a number of techniques which referees use to quickly indicate
to players that they have not retired to the proper distance and must do so.
One is to stand at the ball and motion any encroaching players to retire the
proper distance when necessary. Another is to stand off to the side and
attempt by gesture and voice to see that players retire to the proper
distance, as needed.

4. The current [1983] recommended method of choice is for the referee to
quickly move to a position ten yards from the ball, on the side where
opposing players would normally take up their defensive position. By being
the "first brick in the wall," the referee is better able to ensure that
encroachment does not occur.

5. Whether using this recommended technique or another, referees must
acquire the ability to judge distance accurately and quickly. That ability
can only be acquired through practice. You are encouraged to do so.