Question Number: 17806

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/9/2007

RE: Rec. Adult

Tom of Kingsport, TN USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17905

A player for New England used a scissors kick in a professional soccer game. Is a scissors kick against the rules in a college or high school game?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I'm not sure what you mean by a scissors kick. Normally, referees and other soccer folk refer to a scissors tackle, where a defender goes in low and basically catches the guy with the ball between the defender's legs and whips them in an scissor like motion - it is a very dangerous tackle and done with any force can end a career and should always be punished with a card of some color. There is also the bicycle kick, which when done well, is truly a thing of beauty. In this one, a player falls backwards, kicking his legs up and around, contacting the ball high in the air. It isn't illegal, but can be dangerous if done in close proximity of other players. This is a judgment to be made by the referee based on the skills of the players, the game, and other relevant factors.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Tom,
The level of skill, timing and concentration to make an overhead or side kick takes a great deal of commitment and focus to do well. If you review Questions 17798 and 17801 it will help you put the maneuver in perspective. We have seen versions of it at every level, some will be fine, others will not, in the opinion of the referee to be sure but also the level of play and willingness of the participants to accept the playing conditions of each other and of the referee as a match condition to adapt too!
Cheers