Question Number: 29763

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/1/2015

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29758

I've always had some trouble with 'a player has been a target'. I know you can't give a yellow for persistent infringement when several different opponents target a player. But what do you caution for? Unsporting behavior? Must it always be heavy challenges, or just a number of them?

I recall a high school game where the referee warned the coach 'the next time one of your players fouls #12', it's a caution. That seemed to work that time. Would you be proactive in that manner?

Thanks again for all the advice,

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
I would caution for unsporting behaviour. It is a team game and there are times when the team acts collectively albeit individually. In those cases it is just tough on the player that perhaps has done little up to that point. However I just say I'm putting an end to this series of fouls and hopefully it sends out the message that it will not be tolerated.
As regards being proactive the danger is that if the referee does not follow through with his word then that may damage his credibility. Perhaps the next foul is innocuous with the player being the least deserving and that the referee may not want to caution.
I watched in the CL a player getting a caution for dissent questioning a handling call and in the second half a lame foul by the same player that perhaps might have been a 2nd caution was let slide because it would have been a very soft dismissal. I think without the first caution the foul would have been a caution. That did not help the referees credibility when he did not caution when expected to do so or where he advised that he would do so.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Phil,

If you feel that a team is targeting a player then that suggests the fouls are intentional. While, strictly speaking, intent is removed from the laws, the astute referee can often tell when a foul is intentional (so can the players!) and will take more serious action. If you feel that a team is targeting a player with intentional, low-level fouls then simply lower your tolerance level for a little while.

Personally, I find it's very rare to see this, especially at a young age. Usually if a player is being fouled more it's because they're involved with play more, and/or they just seem to move their body in a manner that invites careless fouls.

I'm not a fan of the 'next time it's a caution' threat, because you're obligated to carry it out - and the next time could be an innocently careless foul 20 minutes later. Be careful of backing yourself into a corner like that - try to word it in a way that keeps your options open: 'If the players keep fouling like this, they're going to start earning cards very quickly'

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil,
targeting a single player by having a multiple group commit fouls is indeed a form of persistent infringement. It is classified as USB misconduct so calling it PI might not fit the proper description but it is what it is. Certainty cautionable misconduct. As to being proactive, when I see a pattern where a quality player is being dumped by a series of fouls primarily because of their skill is such a high calibre that dispossessing him/her of the ball is very difficult for the defending team to accomplish. By the 3 or 4th foul I call out the offending team's captain to have a discussion and look them in the eye . This is a quality player, I point to the opponent, and he is winding up on the ground, FAR TOO OFTEN! You need to find alternate methods of defending or there could be serious consequences attached to the next free kick you give up, do you understand?
Cheers