Question Number: 15436

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/9/2007

RE: High School

EM Pearson of Medina, TN USA asks...

Question about a tackle in yesterday's high school boys match. Red is dribbling through defense near half-way line when a white defender approaches from red's right rear (i.e., over red's right shoulder). Defender toe pokes the ball away cleanly, foot low, cleats down, no hooking motion to intentionally trip the offensive player. Red player trips over white's outstretched foot and my partner (two-man system) blows for a tripping foul.

I personally thought it an excellent tackle even if technically from behind. My partner's view was the tackle was unsporting as it was from an angle not available to red's peripheral vision. Certainly red had no chance to avoid the white foot as he could not see the tackle coming. What do you think?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Ah the two man system. Is it any wonder that this system creates all kinds of problems? FIFA wisely doesn't advocate a system where neither referee can get close to the busiest places on the field.

In any case, I would suggest that if you saw something totally different from your partner that you conference with him before a caution is issued. If you cannot agree, then I suppose it is within the referee's right to issue the caution in this case. No matter what decision the two of you come to - you should both appear to be in agreement, even if you aren't.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If the defender got ball first and then the attacker ran into defenders leg, it could have easily been a good slide tackle. On the other hand if the defender got ball and then tripped attacker through raising a leg, it could have been a foul. It is open to judgement based on what angle you saw the play from. Again, this is a problem of the 2 man system - inconsistency.