refs release wrong team

by **Maple Leaf** on Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:50 am

what is the ruling for the following situation: Team A is serving a penalty, and while man down team A scores. Prior to the ensuing face off, the referees incorrectly release team A's penalty with time still due to be served. The coaches from team B do not notice that team A is incorectly back to full strength until after the face off, at which point they alert the referee that team A should still be serving their penalty.

Would this be considered an offsides call, even though the referee told team A that thier penalty was released. Or is this the responsibility of Team B prior to the face off, and therefore their loss?

**Sponsor**

by **LaxRef** on Thu Feb 09, 2006 8:52 am

Here are the relevant rules:

NCAA Rule 7-12 wrote:SECTION 12. When a timekeeper, scorer or official makes a mistake that would result in a team or player being penalized and another official becomes aware that a mistake is being made, that official shall promptly correct the mistake. If goals are scored during the mistake made by the timer, scorer or an official and it is brought to the attention of the referee before the next live ball, the referee must allow or disallow the goal, depending on the circumstances.

A.R. 57. B1 in special-substitution area for one minute. After 30 seconds of play, official timer tells B1 to return to game. A1 scores a goal. RULING: Goal counts, and B1 remains in game as the goal erases his remaining 30 seconds.

A.R. 58. B1 in special-substitution area for one minute. After 30 seconds of play, he is released by the official timekeeper and B2 scores a goal. Team A notifies officials of timekeeper’s mistake. RULING: Goal does not count, and B1 returns to special-substitution area to serve his remaining 30 seconds. Ball is awarded according to the alternate-possession rule.

A.R. 59. B1 in special-substitution area for one minute. After 30 seconds of play, B1 is released from special-substitution area by the official timer or goes into game without being released and B2 scores goal. After the faceoff after the goal, Team A protests to the officials. RULING: Goal counts. B1 remains in the game.

Based on A.R. 59 and the text of the rule, I'd say in your situation team B is out of luck (because the release occurred during a dead ball, the next live ball is the faceoff).