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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 25606

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/15/2011

RE: Competitive Adult

Justin morris of Hubert, Nc Usa asks...

I have been playing soccer for all my life, I've played high school, college, adult leagues, and the All Marines and I completely understand this sport is Physical. I am generally a forward and when I take possession of the ball from a defender and get by him isnt it perfectly legal for me to use my arms (not pushing I'm running away) to kinda in a sense check where he's at but also In a shielding type matter?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Justin
When a player uses a raised arm to keep an opponent at a distance that is a foul. Most times player don't look for it and it is viewed as trifling and the foul is not called. However the hand can make contact with a player's face or be extremely obvious to the referee in which case a foul will be called.
In the case of shielding the arm may not be used. I quote the current law
'' Shielding the ball is permitted. A player who places himself between an opponent and the ball for tactical reasons has not committed an offence as long as the ball is kept within playing distance and the player does not hold off the opponent with his arms or body. If the ball is within playing distance, the player may be fairly charged by an opponent.''
Note the reference to the illegal use of the arms.



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Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If all you are doing is 'sensing' where the defender is, any foul would be considered trifling or doubtful. This is easy for a referee to read differently - any pressure or use of the arms to hold off or push away the defender can be interpreted and punished as a foul.

Best not to use the arms in such situations at all.



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