1. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
The law of unintended consequences

2. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
OBJECTIVES:
Understanding the game versus knowing the Laws
Balancing flow and control
Using advantage
Recognizing an obvious goal scoring opportunity
Applying the Offside Law
Dealing with persistent infringement
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3. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Understanding the Game versus knowing the Laws of the Game. What does this statement mean to you?
See Page 4 of the lesson plan.
Expand upon the importance of understanding the Spirit of the Game and the Philosophy of Refereeing
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4. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Murphy’s Law #1: Knowing the game isn’t enough without knowing the Laws, but knowing the Laws, is not as important as knowing the game.
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5. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Balancing Flow and Control
What does flow & control mean to a soccer referee?
Refer to Page 5 of the lesson plan.
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6. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Murphy’s Law #2: Referees let the game flow by giving up control, but referees who lose control ruin the flow of the game.
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7. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Using Advantage
Refer to Page 6 of the lesson plan.
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8. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Murphy’s Law #3: Referees allow players to take advantage of advantages, but advantage can be to the referee’s disadvantage.
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9. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Recognizing an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity
Ask if anyone knows the “four Ds” of DOGSO. Ensure the following are each identified:
Distance to the goal (within scoring distance).
Defenders (second to last or only goal keeper. Most frequently goal keeper only)
Direction of play (toward the goal)
Distance from ball (within playing distance)
Emphasize that all four of these conditions must be met before there is an obvious goal scoring opportunity.
Cover scenarios on Page 7 of the lesson plan.
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10. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Murphy’s Law #4: The obvious is obvious, but knowing what’s obvious isn’t.
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11. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Applying the Offside Law
What are the three ways a player can become involved in active play?
Ask if anyone can identify the three things players do that are considered being involved in active play as defined by the Offside Law.
Interfering with play
Interfering with an opponent
Gaining an advantage by being in that position
Cover scenarios on Page 9 of the lesson plan.
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12. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Murphy’s Law #5: Offside is well understood by players, coaches and spectators - their difficulty lies in convincing the Referee.
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13. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Dealing with Persistent Infringement 3 1 2 5 4
Ask: “What is persistent infringement?” Solicit answers and ensure that they cover the following points:
Same player commits several fouls.
Not any “magic number”.
Could be a series of fouls on the same player by the opposing team.
Solicit or give examples. ?
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14. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
Murphy’s Law #6: Persistent infringement is not allowed but players need not persist to be guilty.
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15. Murphy’s Laws of the Game
REVIEW:
Understanding the game vs.
knowing the laws.
Balance flow and control.
Using Advantage.
Recognizing an obvious goal scoring opportunity.
Applying the Offside law.
Dealing with persistent infringement.
8/17/2012