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Soccer (American), Football (European)/Expert Profile

Stephen Smith

U.K.

Available

Expertise

I can answer any questions relating to the laws of the game and their application at any level from local parks to professional and international level. Feel free to ask about a referee's decision you don't understand, a hypothetical scenario, or a situation in which you as a referee need help.

Experience in the area

As an active and conscientious referee, officiating at semi-professional level, I have an excellent knowledge of the laws of the game. I also like to use common sense and this helps me to appreciate what other referees, including the professionals, may be thinking and how they have reached their decision.

Organizations

FAMOA, Referees' Association, Referees' Society

Publications

I edit (and write most of) the bi-monthly magazine of the local Referees' Society.

During the 2006 FIFA World Cup the Electric New Paper (Singapore's biggest-selling tabloid) published an article of mine which the Editor requested I write regarding refereeing decisions in the Italy v USA game.

In October 2007 I was interviewed by the BBC World Service for a radio programme about player discipline.

I have had letters on refereeing published in The Times and The Daily Telegraph.

Education/Credentials

I have a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Social Sciences, and my interest in psychology and sociology is useful in controlling 22 burly men ready for battle! I have attended numerous national and regional conferences and seminars, and attend and contribute to weekly referees' training meetings.

Awards and Honors

Awarded a trophy in 2007 for services to the Referees' Society.

Numerous local and regional cup final and semi-final appointments.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	T	P	Comments
John	05/13/09	8	10	10	10
Winston	08/13/08	10	10	10	10
Jack	08/05/08	10	10	10	10	Thank you very much. I new that .....

Recent Answers from Stephen Smith

2009-10-20 Protection of the keeper:

Hi Matt, That's an interesting one! You clearly appreciate what the law says about the scenario your son was involved in. From a philosophical point of view, I agree with the sentiment and reasoning

2009-07-27 awarding goals:

Sorry about the delay - I've been away for a while so have just seen your question. A referee never has any authority to award a goal if one has not been scored. The laws of the game state that, on

2009-05-13 high kick:

Hi John, It's all down to the referee's interpretation of the other players' safety. Contrary to the belief of many players, there is no such offence as a 'high foot' or 'high kick' as such, but a free

2009-03-23 Deliberate hand ball:

Hi Steve, I've given this scenario a lot of thought in the past in order to try to work out what I'd do if it happened in a game I was refereeing. All the referee could have shown you in the laws

2008-10-22 Goals and Goalkeepers:

Jennifer, That certainly should not have been given as a goal. Kicking the ball out of the goalkeeper's hands is an offence as it is classed as 'dangerous play'. Even if the player got the ball and

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