Question Number: 22492

League Specific 11/10/2009

RE: Rec Adult

Sergi of Irvine, California US asks...

Dear Referee,

I am a graduate student that is playing in some recreational league in the university. Being foreign (from Spain), it surprises me how much contact is allowed in the soccer here. But my question is related to one action that I know that has been always considered fault (indirect if the player is not touched and direct if the player is touched). The action that I am talking about is called 'plancha' in spanish, and consists in a tackle showing the low part of the shoe (that is, while standing raising my leg to stop the ball/player). Although I don't know the exact expression in english, it should be something like cleats up.

I am having a hard time trying to make the referees of those games understand that this action is considered dangerous play everywhere in the world, and that it is indeed, dangerous to do that kind of tackling. The only rule that I have seen that is inflicted by this is the number XII of the rules, although it let it to the decision of the referee.

In that case, we are not talking about proper referees but people that get 1/2 hours of training. Their way to consider it dangerous is: 'if it touches the player is dangerous and I will call it, if it touches the ball I am not going to call it because it's not dangerous'.

What do you think that is the proper way to explain them that they have to call some of this cleats up because if they let go there could be injuries in the play? Can I find it explicitly defined as a fault?

Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

'Studs up' or showing the cleats is something that infuriates the European and some central and south american players in our local adult league as well. My sense is that until one has been raked by someone's cleats, one doesn't see the inherent threat that a studs up challenge makes.

Even if there is no contact with an opponent, it can meet the requirements for the foul of play in a dangerous manner (player doing something dangerous to self or others, with an opponent nearby, that affects the opponent's challenge or attempt to challenge for the ball).


What we needs is more referees who understand the game as experienced around the world. Perhaps you will consider joining us on the field. In every match, you can influence at least two other referees. Eventually, we can get them all.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sergei
All teams in Ireland and the UK have this problem when playing in Spain, France, Germany, Italy etc. A high boot in this part of the world is okay provided it is not in the opinion of the referee dangerous play whereas as you state other countries see it as dangerous play irrespective of whether it is or not.
Also it's what is expected by teams so if a player put his boot up in Spain its an automatic IDFK whereas in Ireland the referee makes a decision whether it is in fact dangerous. I personally don't like this blanket policy that all high boots are dangerous. I watch Spanish football regularly and even with this policy I still see pretty dangerous play. I might say as well that when referees understand the game and the dangers posed, they know what is dangerous play or not. I know when I see a studs up challenge whether there is the danger that it poses. For example if both player are facing the same direction with the ball bouncing in front and a player raises his boot at the ball that is of no danger to the opponent. Face them off and its dangerous no question. The first IMO is play on while on the second it is an PIADM offence plus a warning or a caution.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Studs up are not a good thing and I agree, physical play is tolerated more in English speaking countries than the rest of the world!
Foul recognition player safety are but words unless the referee backs them with appropriate action. the old adage what we allow we encourage is sure in the news today is it not? While jumping at and tackles are the two DFK most likely to incur the studs up, PIADM where a high boot forces you to swerve or duck is also realistic. While I point out a referee is a match condition you need to adapt too, the responsibility for fair play extends to the coaches and players! We can not always pawn off our folly on the inexperienced or short sighted referee! As Players and as Coaches we know fair play and the consequences of our actions, if excused by the referee though not knowing or understanding the need to stop our behaviour it IS our behaviour is it not?
Cheers