Law 2: The Match Ball

Ashley Marshall is an innovative referee instructor and career educator with over 10 years of refereeing experience.
He is a certified referee assessor, referee instructor, and is the Club Head Referee of the Newmarket Soccer Club. (www.newmarketsoccer.com)
He is also a regular digital lesson contributor to the Learning Bird Education Network. His lively and engaging teaching style makes his lessons memorable, and his classroom an exciting environment for all students.
This video walks referees through match ball protocols and best practices for local football/soccer matches.
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[@legendalpha9554]

Hello sir !
If match was draw and going to panelty shoot out what is refree signal and hand signal please explain

[@MarkWarner999]

Generally, I have not had any problems with Ashley's videos....however....
This time I have several problems. In most cases, youth organizations dictate the Size, Circumference, and Weight of the ball and NOT the pressure based on age groups. Ashley talks about varying the pressure of the ball based on age and this is a terrible thing. An under-inflated ball can cause just as much, or more damage, as an over-inflated one. Every ball has a range of inflation pressure and that is what should dictate how you fill your ball.
Additionally, he left out some features....like where are you in the world? Are you in Denver or perhaps you are in San Diego. Why is this important.....well..per the FIFA/IFAB LOTG in Law 2: "of a pressure equal to 0.6 - 1.1 atmosphere (600 - 1,100 g/cm2) at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq in - 15.6 lbs/sq in)". How many people are going to be able to do this math in conjunction with their $3 pressure gauge to get it right? Additionally, is a cold day, is it a hot day, is cold now but going to heat up dramatically? All these factors are important.
And as such, and after refereeing for some time, the method of uses one's hand to check the pressure of a ball is likely more than adequate to get the job done.

[@RefTutor]

Interesting observations Mark.
It is true that youth organizations determine the size, circumference and weight based on the age of the players - and match officials are subject to their local associations and leagues. In hindsight, the video should have included more reference to ball size.
I also agree that an under-inflated ball is equally as dangerous as an over-inflated one.
I have no problem conceding that altitude is a factor, and in this case, the policies of local governing bodies should again be consulted. Thanks for highlighting the distinction.
Your point about daily temperature actually sits well with my giving of a range of pressures in the video. You will note that I do not give a solitary pressure reading for any age of player. As always, Law 18 - common sense - should be considered where the Laws are silent.
However, I strongly disagree about thumb checking. My overwhelming experience has been that referees who use the thumb check are simply lazy, and unwilling to take a few seconds to ensure player safety. Modern ball construction makes it even more difficult to even feel the air bladder within - rendering the thumb check that much more ineffective.
As recently as last month, a senior referee at my son's Under-18 indoor game used the thumb check - and it was audibly clear that the ball was well-under pressure from the kick-off. A half-time reading revealed that the size 5 ball was around 4/5 psi - obscenely low for that level and age of play.
A simple, 5-second reading from an inexpensive pressure gauge is the most effective way for a local referee to ensure that the match ball complies with Law 2.
Thanks for engaging.