Referee Review
What should you focus on in this scene?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanation
Referee Review
What should you focus on in this scene?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanationHow the footage and Laws apply
The main point is the referee's decision to stop moving at the moment of the shot. The referee adjusted position to keep Kashiwa's player on the left in view and, when the through ball was played, moved quickly towards the challenge. The footage then shows the referee coming to a stop. When an attacker gets in behind, the referee may need to move closer to judge possible contact with an advancing goalkeeper and a potential penalty kick. Here the goalkeeper stayed in position, ready to react to the shot. It appears the referee judged that contact with the goalkeeper was less likely and shifted attention to whether anyone touched the shot and whether the ball would be played back across the goalmouth. The referee stopped where both could be seen rather than continuing towards the goal. If this was the thinking behind the adjustment, it shows excellent observation and judgement.
Relevant Laws
Law 5 – The Referee (Positioning)
Official references
Check the wording of the Laws
The links above lead to official IFAB and JFA resources. The application of the Laws to this incident is the author’s analysis and is not an official view of IFAB, JFA or the competition organiser.
Want to test your understanding of this decision?
Build confidence with more Laws of the Game questions in the app.
Try more questions in the appRelated Scenes
[Handball] A superb decision spotting an accidental handball in a crowded area | 2021 J1 League Matchweek 1 Shonan Bellmare vs Sagan Tosu
[Positioning] The referee's forward run anticipating a switch to the right and a run in behind | 2026/27 J1 League Matchweek 2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Urawa Reds