Page:Football, The Association Game.djvu/90

 and unhesitatingly, and will not, as some of the less experienced sometimes do, argue the point, or assign the reasons which have influenced him in giving his verdict. In any case, whatever disputes may arise, the captain should alone be the spokesman of the side. It cannot be too clearly pointed out, too, that the referee is not infallible. His position, at the same time, is one of the greatest responsibility, and his authority is, as it ought to be, paramount. He has, for instance, power to stop the game whenever he may think fit—by reason of darkness, interference of spectators, or other cause, either permanently or for such a time as he may think fit, whenever he may deem such a course necessary. In addition, he has the right to award a free kick without any appeal in a case where he thinks the conduct of a player is dangerous, or likely to prove dangerous.

If the young player has in him a natural instinct for the game, he ought to derive benefit from a careful study of the advice given in this work. There are some points, though, in the rules which often cause misapprehension, and it will perhaps be of use if some of them are dealt with. A few years since the committee of the Football Association issued some memoranda for the guidance of officials, and as these embrace the various questions about which there is often a difference of opinion among the ill-informed, they may be utilized for the general good of players as well as officials.

The kick-off must be in the direction of the opposite goal-line. It is not allowable to start the ball towards your own line, aiid while the opposite side shall not approach within ten yards of the ball till it is kicked off, no one shall pass the centre of the ground towards the opposite goal till it has been started.