Interesting. At amateur level the ball usually belongs to one of the clubs, no? And the pros have a gazillion balls. One of those little things refs should just say "fuck that" to.
Last season played in a game we were 2-1 down, ball went out for goal kick to us and the guy genuinely said something like "last minute, last chance, guys". We rushed to take it, kicked it up field and he blew for time.
He was promptly thanked for his kindness and called a retard.