Question Number: 14151

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/16/2006

RE: Various Levels of Youth Soccer Under 14

Bob Roach of Charlottesville, VA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14107

In reference to 14107 (Patrick). It used to be one of the hardest things to do was to get girls to be aggressive. More recently I have noticed that girls are stepping up and playing more physically, which I like to see. It is refreshing to see girls challenge the ball instead of backing off. If this guy is able to get his players to be more aggressive, then great. Nothing wrong with this.

However, (yep, bound to be a however), from reading his various posts, his 'tactics' seem to be more about intimidating the other team's players rather than playing good, hardnosed soccer. If a player is the type that is relentless and hustles and never lets up, and subsequently comes away with the ball, then ok. And if a play is designed to take the ball away, that is ok too. But if the play is designed to 'scare' the other player into giving up the ball, then no, that is not ok. Especially at the younger ages.

What this gentleman is doing may be perfectly ok, but the way in which it is being presented gives the impression that it is a bullying tactic, which is not. As all of the sites refs have stated, they can't really determine one way or the other without seeing it in person.

I have coached and watched my daughter from U8 rec to high school, and she has repeated many times that she hates it when other teams let up. She would rather they keep playing, regardless of the score. She has been on both ends, getting blown out and being on undefeated high school teams that score 96 goals and give up 4 in a season. She is a very physical player and she never lets up. So I have no problem with being physical. I do have a problem with being a bully.

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

Glad to read the members of the panel are not the only ones who see what really seems to be happening. Thanks for reading and responding.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Thank you for the comments. Best of luck to you!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Bob, you have said EXACTLY what we have been trying to convey to Mr. Trombly. All of us expect and like to see hard, physical, legal soccer. Congrats to your daughter. Hope things are well in C-Ville. Spent a wonderful 5 years there and miss the place.