Can we question the questions?

[McClearyFL]

Many referees take issue with one or two quiz questions that seem to re-occur in spite of obvious deficiencies. As "spokesperson" for these referees, I would like to request that these questionable questions be eliminated once and for all.

In State Quiz 4 distributed by e-mail is the following question:

"3. The referee is ready to restart play with a dropped ball. Red #7 and the rest of the red team refuse to take part in the dropped ball.

A Caution red #7, restart with a indirect free kick
B Caution red #7, restart with a dropped ball
C Issue a team caution to red, restart with a dropped ball
D Restart with a dropped ball "

Most of us know that there is no specified number of participants at a drop ball restart. Thus it is technically impossible for a player or a team to "refuse" to participate. The question, as currently phrased, states misconduct that, in fact, has not occurred. The question needs to be reworded. One possible version might be " ....... No member of the Red team chooses to be present at the drop ball." Of course, if you really want to challenge us you could state " .........No member of either team chooses to be present at the drop ball"

Referees as a whole welcome the opportunity to show their knowledge or ignorance in a written exam. All of us curse our own stupidity when we fail to read the question correctly or have a mental lapse. Tricking or misleading us, however, is not a fair practice - let's leave that to the coaches and players!

[JSterling]

"3. The referee is ready to restart play with a dropped ball. Red #7 and the rest of the red team refuse to take part in the dropped ball.

A Caution red #7, restart with a indirect free kick
B Caution red #7, restart with a dropped ball
C Issue a team caution to red, restart with a dropped ball
D Restart with a dropped ball "

The fact that the red team "refused" to take part in the drop ball, infers that they were asked to take part in the drop ball. If the referee asks a player to do something and they don't, then they can be cautioned for dissent or unsportsmanlike conduct. However, I doubt any referee would do that. If a team wants to lose advantage, then I'd let them. I'd pick D, but it could be B... It is a tricky question. Which one is the right answer?

And as for your rewrite, my answer would be to drop the ball and let the clock run. They're wasting their own time. :P