Question Number: 25508

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/27/2011

RE: High School Freshman Under 14

Keith of Newtown, CT USA asks...

I saw Newtown High School Varsity play Masick High School tonight - it seemed like the masick team was doing countless number of Slide Tackles in the Game - at least 20 to 30 of them in the game by all players on the team - so they were trained to do this - these blocks are similar to a cross body block in football. Some of the girls were flagged for misconduct with a penality kick - this seems very very dangerous to me - seeing girls run full out and get their legs cut out from them - Are slide tackles allowed in High School Soccer Rules??? I could see it in the Pro's - but High School??

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Slide tackles are part of the game and are permitted by high school rules and the laws of the game.

They become a foul if done in a careless manner. Referees are trained to consider whether the tackle makes contact first with the opponent rather than the ball, is late, too high off the ground to play the ball, too much force, or (particularly with women) is a form of hip check.

When the player has no real chance to play the ball or is reckless, the player should be cautioned and shown a yellow card. If a tackle endangers the safety of the opponent, the player will be sent off ( in high school, 'disqualified') and shown the red card.

Done correctly, however, the slide tackle is an amazing display of defensive skill.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Keith
A sliding tackle is like any other challenge in that unless it is careless or reckless there is no offence. However when it does not come off it is more than likely to be reckless and results in a caution or perhaps a dismissal if excessive force was used
From what you describe 23/30 in a single game would be excessive. However that is a matter for the team to decide. One of the difficulties with the sliding tackle is that once the player goes to ground there is no plan B and the player is committed. Many coaches will advise defenders not to get into such a committed position when defending unless absolutely certain of winning the bal.. I used to love players who went to ground as with a little bit of skill, timing the player could be easily beaten.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A slide tackle in and of it self is not dangerous. What is dangerous is a poorly performed slide tackle. Slide tackles are part of soccer and high school players are old enough to be taught to perform them safely.

That said, if penalty kicks and cards were being given, that tells me that at least some of the players were not performing the tackles properly in a safe manner but the referees were dealing with it by issuing the proper punishments

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