SOMERS -GRANBY Soccer Game Nov 15th 2000

The Game was video taped and these are the highlights of the game.
The controversial GOAL by Granby was PARTIALLY caught on tape. The most important fact is that the Ball is outside the net after play. WITH simple Geometry and the LAWS of Physics, (as well as MANY EYE witnesses, the ball could only be a goal
IF the Ball went through the Goal and out under the side of net
or
through the Goal and out through a Hole at the top of the net
or
through the Goal and out through a HOLE in the side of the net.
There is no HOLE in the net, and Clearly struck the Goal post as witnesses observed.
CIAC has said that even if the VIDEO showed "NO GOAL"-the Referee's call would remain since he has final decision! PERIOD.

Further analysis of the VIDEO tape indicates that the Field MAY not be regulation.

1. The Goal posts configuration has additional beams that would deflect the BALL back into play when in reality the ball would be out of play and result in a goal kick.

2. The Soccer goal is made up of what appears to be two football posts.
  • Then there is a Bar across the top to make up the top post of the Soccer Goal.
  • THIS bar is constructed with a top and lower bar, with 3 additional supports between the top and lower bar.
  • This construction would NOT allow a ball to pass over the Goal and could result in a Ball being put back into play that should not be in play.

    3. Based on some of the video tape and lots of eye witnesses, the ball appeared to have gone between the bottom and top of the Upper Soccer POST, and rolling OFF the top of the net,down the side and back onto the Field. Where in reality should have GONE OVER the NET.
  • From the position of the referee on the field, giving the illusion of a Goal by "touching the net" from the outside.

    4. TRULY the REFEREE is the "god on the field" and with that high standard should be responsible to assure both teams have a regulation playing field so the game would be played as intended.
  • The referee personally came over to the Somers Coach and said there was a "HOLE in the NET" Yet in the Video tape, never inspected the net. Further inspection of the net, NO HOLE!
  • Did the Referee inspect the field before the Game?
  • What made him think there was a hole in the Net?
  • IF the Referee KNEW there was a HOLE in the NET, according to the LAWS of the GAME Play should have been Halted so repairs could have been made.


    Additionally:
    The Rules of the GAME clearly say that a Referee can change a call if he consults with a Linesman.
    This was a Semi-FINAL Playoff game that should have had Assistant Referees assigned. (Linesman)
  • We PAID the State to Watch this game! Semi-final Games should have linesman assigned.

    I have made pictures of the HandBook that define a GOAL and have posted them on this page
    for all to make up their own mind about who won this game.

    My final quote from the LAWS of THE GAME is that the REFEREES DO HAVE THE FINAL CALL regarding any thing involving the Game. They are suppose to be in control
    Also remember the BLATANT attack of a Somers player by a GRANBY players. (Somers player was pushed to the ground) DID not result in an yellow or Red card!

    Somers and Granby players both responded to this attack but the referee did nothing. The GRANBY Coach was on the field with no reason to be there! It was a Somers, player still laying there!
    It was clear that the GAME was out of Control and some players could have been seriously injured.
    There are no mechanisms for any challenges, and in some cases any challenges will be met with a Yellow Card. The Referee's job is to Control the game and make sure the rules of the game are followed by both teams.
    Any comments regarding the referee's conduct will either be posted and/or sent to Somers AD so NEXT YEARS Team doesn't have this happen again.

    The next set of pages are from the video tape:
  • The play is started when Granby kicked the ball--- Frames 1 to 5 are of that player.
  • The Camera did not get WHERE the ball actually hit.... These frames are only tenths-of-a-second apart.
  • Frames 6 to 13 show Somers Goalie going to get the ball -OUTSIDE THE NET!
  • Frames 14 to 16 show the Referee calling the Goal BUT also Goalie putting the ball back into play!
  • (not sure when Granby players told the referee this was a goal as reported by the newspaper? NO Photos!)
  • Frames 17 to 19 show Somers players inspection the Net for a HOLE! NO Hole but the Referee went to Somers Coach and said there was a hole in the net!




    The Video Frames
    The RULES

    Players & Parents comments page!

    All comments will be posted, but tell me if you want your name also posted Please-I will not post email addresses!.
    It is clear that the CIAC cannot change the OUT COME of the Semi final game but I think the REFEREE should be Reported and let the Board evaluate his ability to REFEREE a High School Game.


    What do you think?
    Should the Referees be Fired? Fined? RED CARDED???
    Should the school file a complaint with CIAC?

    Should Somers play another game (unofficial) against Granby?? Strictly by the Laws of the Game with REAL Referees!

    POST a note to the Players/Coach/or to the Team from a player???? if you don't want your name posted say so!

    and GRANBY, if your reading this! all your comments will be posted!

    BY NOW most of you should have heard GRANBY WON the Championship! 2-0

    And to Quote a very broad-minded Somers player who said last wednesday night:
    "I hope Granby Wins, because that would mean we lost to the State Champions"

    SOMERS SOCCER TEAM Played an AWESOME GAME and the BEST SEASON in the HISTORY of the SCHOOL -CONGRATULATIONS!



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    page updated 11/18/2000