Tactical head counts

[Daniel B]

Picture this: Team A is 5 goals up, early in the fourth, but flagging. A couple of bad decisions, a couple of mistakes, and Team B manages to get a run on. Team A's captain thinks he needs a chance for his team to regroup. So he takes advantage of the only tactical option available to him: he asks the umpire for a head count. Terrible sportsmanship, but hey, a place in the finals is at stake.

Has this ever happened? If not, why not?

 

[Elroo]

Picture this: Team A is 5 goals up, early in the fourth, but flagging. A couple of bad decisions, a couple of mistakes, and Team B manages to get a run on. Team A's captain thinks he needs a chance for his team to regroup. So he takes advantage of the only tactical option available to him: he asks the umpire for a head count. Terrible sportsmanship, but hey, a place in the finals is at stake.

Has this ever happened? If not, why not?

Previous thread on this discussion, specifically post #8

Calling for a head count.

picture the scenario, 5 minutes to go in the match and the opposition has just scored 3 goals in a row to bring the margin back to 10 points. You are absolutely out on your feet and being outrun, and just cant keep up with the fresher opposition... so what do you do? Your captain should...

www.bigfooty.com

 

[ManInWhite]

Team A would have to get the captain to ask for the headcount. Assuming the right number of players exist on the ground, there is provision for the captain to be reported for a frivolous request. Resultant free kick is also centre square plus 50m so on most grounds will be a kick for goal just to close the gap. They might go ahead into the finals without the captain. Still worth it?

 

[ManInWhite]

You're better off having a tactical "faked injury". Get the least useful player to imagine a leg injury requiring a stretcher. Have the trainers fuss over for 10 mins. I have seen this done in a junior match when the team was up by a point with 2 minutes to go. Especially because there was no time on. One of the most unsportsmanlike things I've witnessed - especially when everyone knew what was happening.

 

[Wallaby]

Classic way is to start a fight - even just some push and shove. Get everyone in throwing insults etc (no actual punches). Just grab the jumper - put your head up into their face, say something rude about their girlfriend or mum. Hopefully take their focus off the game.

Obviously needs some skill to avoid giving away a free kick - but, well you're five goals down. Have to try something.