Question Number: 29993

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/11/2015

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29991

I have a follow up to Q# 29991.

In the first of the 2 incidents, it was difficult to tell if red pushed or hit blue with her arm or elbow, as the angle was blocked by another player. Let's assume that red did for the sake of this question. Would this change your opinion & then call it as a foul? (I know that just using the arm, not elbow, to ward off another player is NOT called in professional games, but this is U16.)

Thanks again for all your help.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
If the Red player used her arm as described then that would change my opinion and I would call the pushing foul punished by a direct free kick.
I might add that in higher levels of the game players expect a level of contact which can include the use of the arm. Players respond to that in equal measure with perhaps a grab of the arm, a push away of the hand etc and brace themselves through good body posture and strength. In those instances it is seen as a trifling foul. However If the action manages to affect the opponent negatively then no matter what level it should be called.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil,
as noted we were screened, So it looked as if blue stepped out on front of red but without actual ball contact . If from another angle we saw that red had extended an arm to shove blue out of the way then yes possibly we would award a foul but then if wishes were horses we 'd all ride like kings.
Cheers