Question Number: 30356

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/27/2016

RE: Youth to adult, comp and rec.

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

Reffing a women's rec game. Attacker is stood still, shielding the ball against a defender who is blocking her best path to the goal. Players are a good yard apart.

Attacker leaves the ball and takes an extra step to firmly shoulder the defender out of the way before returning to the ball.

I wish I had a video to show.

I blew it down and gave the kick to the defenders. I'm not sure it's in the Laws, other than looking unsporting. In basketball, it could be offensive charging.

Your call?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
You do not mention how the charge took place. If it was say an illegal charge such as a shoulder into the players chest then there is no doubt about the call. It is a foul.
If on the other hand a player stood side by side with an opponent charges the legally, shoulder to shoulder , no arms used and the ball remains within playing distance that is legal.
I suspect from your description it was into the players body which is a foul. Sometimes you see a player reach out an arm to hold off an opponent and depending on the situation it may be called as a push. Other times the opponent does not react yet continues to challenge for the ball and it is seen as doubtful

Answer provided by Referee James Sowa

Barry,

From your description, this would be an illegal charge and should be called as a foul. The key indicators for me here are the distance between the players and the deliberate movement of the attacker to the defender. I would also consider a caution depending on the force of the contact and the location.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Barry,
It's difficult to judge, but if a player has stepped off their line to clearly charge an opponent then this would typically be a charging foul. It's the 'stepping off the line' that shows it's a clear movement against the opponent rather than simply using the body to secure a position for the ball.