Click to enlarge and debate the strip below the line.
Keith Hackett’s verdict
1) Your key role as a referee is to make correct, clear decisions – and to do that you need a supply of accurate information from your assistants. So if this assistant needs to come on to the field in order to keep up with play then he should do so – especially when the ball is not close. Explain that to the defenders, and ask them to get on with the game. Your only other option, if the surface really is impossible, is to ask your two assistants to run the left wings instead, which was often done when I refereed on less-than-perfect pitches in my younger days. Tim Browne wins the shirt.
2) Any markings other than those specified in the Laws aren’t allowed – so delay the restart until the keeper’s line is removed, and until the original lines are uncovered. I’ve had several games in the past where I’ve had to delay the kick-off for lines to be uncovered, and it’s not unknown for groundstaff to use dye to make lines more visible in the winter. But if it proves impossible to make the surface visible and playable, then an abandonment may be the right call. Thanks to Dr Stan Kull.
3) Whatever his motives – and you’re far too busy to be mind-reading – the Laws are clear: issue him with a yellow card. You can’t pick and choose which laws to enforce – but you can include full details of what happened in your post-match report to the authorities. Thanks to Ryszard Kaleta.
Coming next week
The Ref’s Christmas Special – with one reader winning a unique piece of signed Paul Trevillion artwork. Here’s the 2014 festive special, featuring Jossy’s Giants.
Competition: win a T-shirt of your choice
For a chance to win a Philosophy Football T-shirt of your choice from the Guardian sport range send us your questions for You are the Ref to you.are.the.ref@observer.co.uk. The best scenario used in each new strip wins a T-shirt; Terms apply. For more on You are the Ref’s history, click here.
