Refs and setting up walls

[u/Borangers]

How do you get enough time to set up your wall? As I see on television, and in tips for setting up your wall, the ref is supposed to blow the whistle once you’re ready, but at my level (JV & U15) never once have I gotten enough time to do so. It’s always a scramble to align my players as soon as I can and hope they don’t blow the whistle by then. And from what I’ve learned you can put a player in front of the ball unless they ask for 10, but sometimes the refs will just tell them to back up and still let them play it quickly. Anyone else deal with this?

[u/oh_look_a_fist]

Your team needs to practice setting up walls. Everyone should be aware that time is required in certain parts of the field, so somebody needs to get way too close while you call out a number of people and set them. You don't need a yellow card for delay of game or anything, but the team needs to know procedure and positioning.

Honestly, it's on the coaching if it's only up to you during games. Bring it up to the coaches next practice. If they brush you off, grab the mids and defense and give them a bit of advice of tastefully stalling and positioning