Big Jim
Well-Known Member
It's one of those rules that is "not really" enforced. We all know the way that each team lines out - supposedly, 1, 3, 3, 2, 3, 3. The players on the 20 and 45 are supposed to remain on/at the line until the ball is thrown in with the two midfielders from each team on their respective sides of the mid position. This wrestling that now happens and as @green flag says, the running sprint that almost always happens is a technical foul and stupidly if the ref wanted he could issue each player with a yellow card or tick as a minimum for trying to gain an advantage. The only way to stomp it put would be to constantly restart the game until everyone stayed in their place, but there's no way the supporters would put up with it being recalled. That would just be stupid. However the midfielders should and could be punished as the wrestling or physical contact is not allowed under any rule at all. The only physical contact allowed in the game is between two players, going shoulder to shoulder, with at least one foot on the ground and both travelling in the same direction while attacking the ball. The only tackle allowed is on the ball itself and not the player, hence a tug of a jersey or wild swing is normally followed by a free.
How often do we see players almost kill someone and remonstrate with the ref that he used his shoulder. He may well be correct, but using his shoulder to the chest, back etc. is not allowed and in the case of a player coming towards him is dangerous play. Usually those players make the sprint at throw in just charge into the midfielders like something possessed.
To be fair Jarly Og clashed with his team mate as they both landed awkwardly and in that case the throw in was actually ok.
I like the suggestion that @green flag makes for starting the game, but I'd let the winning coin toss team start the game from full back, a bit like rugby do. Or even have one mid fielder from each team on either side of the ref starting in their own half of the field (something like they do now, but much further apart towards each sideline, with one nominated player only allowed to rise for the ball and then they either opt to collect the ball or play it down to the other midfield player. If either player moves before the ball is thrown up, immediate free to the other team. I'm guessing others could have suggestions too.
Regardless of that though, it's time the 4th official took charge of the time in county championship and league and championship at club level. There's so much at stake now. ADD 50% of ALL stoppage time and any waste of time when a replaced/sub player takes their time to leave with no further subs allowed in the last ten minutes of normal time plus added time and I'd include black cards to stop stupid fouls to waste time, except in the case of injury.
Last edited:
