AURORA — Colorado High School Activities Association officials, heavily criticized after Wednesday night’s Class 4A boys soccer championship game at Englewood, insisted Thursday the correct rule was implemented that led to the winning goal in overtime.
Broomfield defeated Mullen 1-0 on a goal set up by a game official’s call for an indirect free kick after the game was stopped to care for an injured player. Afterward, Mullen players ran after the referees, and coach Jay McClain openly criticized state officials who oversee the game.
CHSAA assistant commissioner Chuck Howell cited national rule 9-3 (temporary suspension): In case of a temporary suspension due to an injury or any unusual situation, if one team is clearly in possession of the ball, the game shall be restarted by an indirect free kick by the team in possession of the ball at the point where the ball was when play was suspended.
“The officials made the right call,” Howell said. “Broomfield was clearly in possession of the ball when the officials suspended play for medical personnel to attend to an injured Mullen player.”
With in-state teams operating under the guidelines and rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, Howell said, “The rule regarding this situation is clear in the rulebook, and the officials were absolutely correct in applying it.”
Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post
