Question Number: 30476

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/2/2016

RE: Competive Adult

Simon from of Kingaroy, queensland Australia asks...

During a youth game (teenagers) who play at a reasonable high standard, forward is running with ball along goal line in the oppositions penalty area, but kicks it slightly too far ahead. A defender comes from side, in a sliding tackle, and traps the ball and regains possession (no foul here). The forward stops his forward movement in a couple of steps, but now is standing over the defender who is prone on ground. Forward has one foot either side of defenders body, looking for the ball to come free from defenders feet.

The defender now starts to stand up, but as he rises, the forward is straddling his shoulders. The forward doesnt move off or slide away and the defender continues to stand, so that the forwards hips are across the defenders shoulders, some 5 feet above ground (his head would be close to 8 feet above ground).

The forward now falls backward to the ground. All this happens within seconds, so no chance for me to stop it. But is there a foul, and if no injury results, is it worth stopping play for it?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Simon
An interesting question. My initial reaction is that the attacker is guilty of a foul on the defender by positioning himself in a way that holds the defender down, preventing his movement. Now we know there are times when players on the ground try to prevent opponents from playing the ball by laying on the ball or close it. That can be at times playing in a dangerous manner against the player on the ground which has an IDFK restart.
I would opine that as described this will look like a foul by the attacker as the defender as part of a playing motion is rising of the ground. I certainly think that a foul should be called and play should be stopped. It may create some initial debate yet the players can be told that the attacker was holding down an opponent.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Simon,
My feeling on your question, from a U.S. high school rules perspective where safety is a top priority, is that play should have been stopped when the forward was standing over the defender who was prone on the ground and in control of the ball. A dangerous play foul on the defender should have been made at that time. The defender by lying on the ground in control of the ball was putting himself in a dangerous position. I realize that you may never be involved in a U.S. high school game, but others who are may see this. I hope that you have a successful season.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Simon,
trying to visualize but in my opinion the attacker standing over the defender who is trying to get up to play the ball must be permitted to do so. If the defender had simply laid on top and made no effort perhaps PIADM but given your description I am inclined to see the attacker at fault and an early whistle may prevent the contact.
Cheers