Question Number: 30152

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/27/2016

RE: competitive Adult

Bruce Saunders of Sydney , nsw Australia asks...

Is it a foul if a player beats another player and in doing so runs behind the other player and then the beaten player that has his back to the player with the ball sticks his leg out in a backward motion to impede the player with the ball. To me this is a tackle from behind or the side of the direction the player with the ball is running and puts the player making the tackle and the player with the ball at risk of injury

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Bruce ,
like any attempt to win the ball a challenge requires the ball to be in playing distance to avoid an impeding possibility but if it becomes a trip it is a DFK.
Generally the opposing player kneels and lays his leg stretched along the ground. A dribbling opponent could easily hit he ball against the leg as it traps the ball and the dribbler can fall over such a ball as well., Not sure if it screams caution or send off anymore than careless as it is often done without much force, more of a desperate reach. The maneuver is occasionally effective but like any action you adjudge it based on how it is performed and how much danger and force is truly there to see it as a foul! I have seen jumps an leg rises in backwards settings certainly worthy of cards.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bruce
Yes this is certainly a foul and one size does not fit all. . As to whether it merits disciplinary action depends on the manner in which the action is carried out. If it was just a trip then the referee may decide to only have a word. If the foul is reckless or tactical the referee will caution the offender for unsporting behaviour. If the referee is of the opinion that excessive force was used endangering the safety of an opponent then it is a red card for serious foul play. I have seen players stamp backwards on opponents which is clearly a red card for SFP. I have also seen player try to stick out a leg from behind in a attempt to play the play yet trips an opponent. That can just be a foul only.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

By moving your leg either forward or backward, you could kick or trip an opponent. Either direction, it's a foul. Also note that for both kick and trip, Law 12 says 'or attempts to' - so if it's a swing and a miss, the referee could still call the foul. Most likely if it is a miss, the ref will hold off and wait to see if there is advantage.

The ref will evaluate the action and decide if it warrants a caution or send-off in addition to the foul.