Question Number: 14799

Character, Attitude and Control 2/5/2007

RE: Select Under 16

Dave Eberle of Clarkston, WA USA asks...

Is it usually considered unsporting behavior when a defender goes into a tackle with cleats showing? Must the defender's foot be above the ground to make this act misconduct?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Dave,
strictly speaking if the feet are off the ground, legs extended, studs showing towards the legs of the opposing player be it from any direction it is an excessive tackle 99.9% of the time. Send off the mucker, Show the red card!
If the feet only contact the ball and the ball is not gone through to take out the player say because the tackle was not neccessarily purposefully directed towards the player but in a challernge soley to knock the ball away where no contact occurs to the player we could lessen the harsh view to reckless or possibly careless or even one of admonshment if the direction of the tackle and the ball were far enough away that although the effort was foolish and unneccessary provide we saw no danger to our dribbling player we can reserve our judgement based on what it is we witnessed if a foul and the level of misconduct displayed.
Keep in mind if a player bails out to avoid such a ferocious challenge the fact no contact occurs because of quick reflexes DOES NOT absolve the MISCONDUCT and responsibility the offending player has in how and why that tackle was performed!!! Remember no jumping at or attempts to trip or attempt to kick either!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Not necessarly. If in the opinion of the referee, this player is playing in an unsporting manner, then it is misconduct (caution). If in the opinion of the referee, the tackle is endangering the safety of an opponent, then it is a send off offense.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Coming in high with cleats up will get a player a send off and red card from most of us