I remember there being verbiage from the ATR though it wasn’t on the last iteration as far as I can see. But as with all explanations for the “spike” I recall it being more of a “this is sometimes considered illegal” with no actual logic behind it.
ARs are trained and paid too. If you don't want them to call them game, then you have to tell them not to. If everyone just kind of took it to give wiggle here and wiggle there, then we have refs complaining their ARs aren't calling handballs or are not doing anything. I never mind an AR making a call if it is correct and they are consistent. They are doing their job. Rolling balls on restarts, handling outside the box, I get what you are saying, but I don't think letting these things go really helps the game or players long term. The next game they will get called and then just think all refs are arbitrary. They are just not in the same league, for me, as picking up your trailing foot possibly early on a throw in. For one thing, the former hardly ever happen and the later can happen quite a bit.
I don't think soccerref69420 ("69" "420"? what are you? 12 years old?), meant the goal kick ball is rolling a lot, but barely rolling. Most of his examples were when it was obvious an opponent was not gaining an advantage, to not stop for trifling. if a team does one of those things and is obviously gaining an advantage, blow the whistle. A throw-in that is funky, but only goes a few yards, play on. A funky throw in that ends up in the box? whistle.
I think this is a situation we run into as refs where people try to describe a situation and ask for the ref's input when he can't really do it without video. Your scenarios aren't really what I'm talking about Scenario 1: I'm talking a small 3-5 yards in a meaningless part of the field, basically from the defensive third up to a little past midfield. Not 8-10 yards. Scenario 2: I'm talking about a ball moving a tiny bit where the GK got no advantage getting it to their defender in the PA. If the GK has the ball rolling forward with momentum I'm calling it back. Scenario 3: I specifically said an offside IFK in the defensive third, not 5 yards at midfield. You can make scenarios for everything. What about how they tell us that for a defensive FK in their defensive third, you don't need to run over and point to the spot, just a general area is fine. Well if they score off that if the ball was a few yards forward, is that fair? Etc. It's not that I don't want ARs to call the game, or that I'm some center who wants to call everything myself (we know those people). You refer to "if it helps the game or the players". In my opinion, stopping the game from restarting or penalizing players for really trifling, relatively inconsequential infractions actually makes the game worse, and at times players legitimately get upset about it. Even at the youth level, MLS Next players/coaches will be pissed at you if you stop the game for that. Players want to get the game moving. They don't want the CR whistling a throw in 30-40% up the field because the player took it 3 yards out of place. Same with FKs in the defensive third, trying to pull back an offside IFK because it was taken 3 yards too far forward. And penalizing a keeper with a FK on the 19 yard line because they held the ball too long when punting or throwing it is silly. Literally no one notices or cares, besides the AR hovering on the line, and it can throw the whole game out of whack. It's something that I feel ARs should use common sense for.
I like your example; short and sweet. I will use it to help explain "trifling" to coaches and parents in the future.
Never use the word "trifling" with coaches, fans, or players. Its likely they have never thought about it and will be, at best, confused. At worst, it sounds like "trivial" and can really piss them off. Say something like "no impact on play".
Part of the sexy game! @AlextheRef although your intentions are noble I challenge you to watch more high level Big 4 Football League games. There are rules and there is interpretation and common practice. Football is not golf! Quick counters, with generous spots, and clever ball boys (pre-covid) have always been part of this beautiful game! Coulda Woulda Shoulda. Yes the ball must be stationary but are we talking about a California roll or a complete 3 second stop? Again, if the ball is stopped, play on. Don't count to MISSISSIPPI. Middle third then who cares about 5 yards. The ref is not an accountant! Here's the big thing I think you are missing when you stop the flow of the game over superfluous rule enforcement. The defense has gained back the advantage and now has 11 players behind the ball. Unless you are throwing out the mustard card left and right to prevent this (which leads to other issues) then you have to always ref with this in the back of your mind. Are you going to be the twelfth defender on the pitch and kill all counters?!?