Question Number: 25529

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/30/2011

RE: High School Freshman High School

Keith of Newtown, CT USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25508

I agree - with you guys - my thoughts are - with the speed of the game - if someone makes a mistake throwing a slide tackle into someone running full speed to high or does it intentally to trip up the person - The person getting the sliding tackle is definitely going to get hurt bad. Especially if they go in between their legs.

I was talking to another dad during the game - it seemed like these girls were defintily trained to do this - because they were doing so often - different players - 20 to 30 times was real. It is a great defensive move - but at what cost of the opposing player??

To me - It seemed to be very dangerous?? I was surprised they allowed this in Varsity high school. In the pro's yes??

I just think there is a high risk of injury.

Just my thoughts!!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Keith
Thank you for giving us your thoughts. Safety is one of the key elements of refereeing. If a player endangers the safety of an opponent in challenging for the ball that is deemed to be serious foul play and a dismissal.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Again, tackling the ball is safe if performed properly. If not, the defender is going to be sanctioned and perhaps sent off. A properly executed slide tackle is beautiful to watch. Remember, soccer is a tough, competitive, sometimes brutal game even when the rules are not broken. Varsity high school players should be able to execute this with minimal risk to the opponents.