Referee graffiti
I saw an interesting thing done by a referee during a Brazilian league match the other day.
During every free kick the referee pulled a small spray can from his pocket and drew a small line at 10 meters. It was a yellowish line and didn’t leave large marks all over the pitch, but what it did do was measure out 10 meters in a way that players won’t cheat. No more arguments about lines cheating up!
The players didn’t have much choice and often looked at the line to get their bearings instead of following the referee and arguing.
I’ve really no idea how widespread using spray lines is in Brazil, it was the first time I’d personally seen it but I liked it immediately. It sped up the taking of free kicks and, if this little idea is more widely adopted, could serve to produce more goals.
During every free kick the referee pulled a small spray can from his pocket and drew a small line at 10 meters. It was a yellowish line and didn’t leave large marks all over the pitch, but what it did do was measure out 10 meters in a way that players won’t cheat. No more arguments about lines cheating up!
The players didn’t have much choice and often looked at the line to get their bearings instead of following the referee and arguing.
I’ve really no idea how widespread using spray lines is in Brazil, it was the first time I’d personally seen it but I liked it immediately. It sped up the taking of free kicks and, if this little idea is more widely adopted, could serve to produce more goals.
by Football Commentator at 7/18/2005 09:16:00 PM
4 Comments:
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Pedantic note: that's 10 yards or 9.15 metres.
More seriously, anyone wearing a studded boot can achieve exactly the same effect by scraping a little mark at the 10 yards. I do it, the players tend to take notice of it, when done properly it doesn't damage the pitch any more than it would normally be, plus no risk of a can running out or getting hit by the ball and exploding.
9.15 it is.
There's a lo-tech option I didnt think of. I wonder why more referee's dont use it.
They have been doing this for over a year now. Can't believe you just recently saw it for the first time.
I actually think it is aome sort of evaporating foam in the can (similiar to shaving cream?)
By the way, it is exactly based on shaving cream!!
I don´t know what, and if, improvements were made, but you got the correct idea!
Regards from Brasil
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