Question Number: 28990

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/19/2014

RE: Competitive Under 15

Aaron Speca of Virginia Beach, VA USA asks...

I'm always interested in what goes through a typical referee's mind when determining whether a foul should be called or not when two players come together, like this play here ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahQrJX42oHA

First, I want you to know that both players shook it off and were fine to continue. But the question I would have is, was this just really hard play by two opposing players chasing after a loose ball, or a foul? The call on the field was no foul, restart was a throw in as the ball went directly from this collision over the sideline.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Aaron,
Who got the throw in? Last off blue by my reckoning! lol I find it hard to fault either player here. One running down the field the other crossing the field at intercepting angles looks like ball was struck into the blue player by the opponent running across double deflection. Good Hustle, glad to see both ok! Agree with no call!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Looks to me like the correct call. This is two players coming together both intent on playing the ball. If someone had a high definition camera like that used in golf analysis and freeze frame it might be shown who was *later* to the ball. I've watched it umpteen times and I'm not sure.
In fairness to the referee he was well placed and the *best* decision IMO was a throw in. Who that should be for again I'm not sure but I would lean in favour of the Light Blue team.
As a referee I also look to players reactions and from the reaction here players know that it is coming together. Neither side appealed for a free kick. If the referee was unsure of the direction of the throw in he could also start with a dropped ball and allow the team to either contest it or not.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 29000