Question Number: 24262

Character, Attitude and Control 11/1/2010

RE: AYSO fall U16 Under 16

Mark Slobom of Devore, CA USA asks...

The goal keeper collected and punted the ball down-field. Just after the keeper released the ball, one of the attackers deliberately bumps the keeper as he goes by. Not at all hard. Just enough bump to show a little attitude. I wouldn't have stopped play to call a foul. I let play continue while I thought about what if anything I should do. The keeper never responded and I didn't see this creating any problem. I just let it go and the game progressed without anything out of the ordinary. After the game I thought about it. I could have cautioned the player for USB at the next stoppage of play. At what point would I caution a player for this? A little bump? A little more? A big bump? If it was upsetting the keeper?

Thank you

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

With under 16's, its never a good idea to ignore 'attitude.' Catching late hits is a good way to keep the match under control.

Sometimes, however, 'knock it off #12' or 'he knows you are there now, no more of that' usually will suffice to let the keeper know you saw it, and to let #12 know not to repeat it. If the late hit affected play (particularly if it led to a change in possession) stop play and award the foul.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I had a similar situation, but with a younger player, probably U12. He'd also been doing some trash-talking and/or mild dissent, I don't recall exactly what it was now. I called out, 'I DON'T want to hear your mouth any more, and I DON'T want to see you kicking the keeper.' Problem ended, even though the kick was no more than a tap to the shinguard.

End it before the goalkeeper gets upset. If it's a bigger bump than a nudge, the keeper will get irritated sooner, so keep that in mind - you might have to address it as a foul or misconduct.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
The sign of a good referee is knowing how best to deal with these type of situations. In some matches a passing comment to the player, perhaps a stare or a signal that you've seen it or indeed just noting it for future reference will suffice. Other times its a DFK and either a word or a caution. Sometimes the reaction of the goalkeeper will tell the referee what action to take.
As a general rule it is not a good idea to ignore it as it could escalate into something more nasty such as violent conduct or perhaps serious foul play at the next challenge.
In this game it worked out okay due to the reaction of the goalkeeper and therefore the way you handled it was okay. I know a number of goalkeepers that will not take kindly to this and its a DFK every single time with a word or a caution if deserved to the forward.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

There are many things to try before moving to the caution (which should be a last resort), many of which my colleagues list for you. It is fortunate the situation didn't escalate past the initial bump. 16 year olds are a handful and a half, even on good days.

Watching the keeper for a reaction is the first good thing to do. Next, if it was not a significant bump - be seen to run by the player and either make a 'no more' motion (no need to stop play), and/or chew on his ear a bit - not a big deal but visible. The keeper will see and so will the keeper's teammates. If they trust you will deal with it sooner rather than later, you have money in the bank.

If it is a significant bump, and/or the keeper has a distinctly negative reaction, move your response up to meet it. Either whistle the foul (pushing) or get quite vocal. 'That's it, #12!! NO MORE, understood?' And if #12 is dense, don't fail in your duty to test him for color blindness.

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