Question Number: 27037

Law 5 - The Referee 11/26/2012

Anonymous of Pasadena, us asks...

This question is a follow up to question 27028

I think the answers omit one possibility that may have been inherent in the question. In some circumstances, the fact that both players are doing the same thing *may* be an indication that, to the extent there are fouls, they may be trifling fouls for the game beng played. In such a case, not calling a foul may be the right answer.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
As you state there will be many times when players are fouling each other which can be viewed as trifling. The referee has the discretion to ignore the 'fouls' and let play continue.
What the referee has to be careful about is where the player that has lost possession or who has been beaten 'blames' it on being fouled. Sometimes when the referee says that 'both players were doing the same thing' it may not be accepted. Some players are also not aware that they are fouling their opponent say with an outstretched arm/hand.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

You're right, and sometimes for the flow of the game it may be preferable to let it go. For instance, often 2 players may be pushing/pulling each other. If they're both doing it to roughly the same extent, and it's not too serious, then letting it go could be an option - alternatively, you can penalise whoever started it (not always easy; often it wouldn't be worthy of a foul when it starts, and only escalates when they both do it), or see if somebody takes it too far (but by then it may be too late, or you may be seen as missing the original foul).

Sometimes talking to the players can help 'hands down, both of you!' can help get the message across, and if one player drops his arms and the other doesn't then it can make the decision easier to sell.

I employ all options, depending on the situation.