Question Number: 12268

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/27/2006

RE: High School

EM Pearson of Humboldt, TN USA asks...

A question about dangerous play. I often see in semi-skilled boys high school soccer a cleats-up sliding tackle on a ball that an opposing player has pushed four or five yards in front of him as he dribbles upfield. The defender is not aiming his tackle at the opposing player, but at the ball some feet in front of the player.

I have not traditionally whistled a foul for dangerous play in such cases unless the cleats are up and headed toward the opposing player. But I am beginning to have second thoughts. Such a tackle is intrinsically intimidating, and likely to be remembered by a player when he sees the same defender rushing up to him later in the match.

What do you think? Dangerous play or not?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If you feel the player is tackling the ball and is, in no way, intending to kick, trip or intimidate what you see is fair. With the ball well away, it's safe to do something like this. Put the ball closer or miss time the tackle and you have foul play, kicking or attempting to kick, tripping or attempting to trip or misconduct -- unsportsmanlike behavior.

Judge playing in a dangerous manner using three criteria: a dangerous act, it involves another player (an opponent or colleague) and the other player gives up play for the ball because of the danger.

NOTE: this answer applies to US High School played under NFHS Rules ONLY!!!

Regards,

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 12283