Question Number: 30640

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/29/2016

bob of dc, md usa asks...

I sometimes have difficulty making a call when it is one of the situations when the ball is in the air and one player jumps over another to get it.

The difficulty I have is if it may actually be the person getting jumped on that may have instigated contact or whether there was no foul at all, even if the jumping player gets over the other one. It seems very simple to just call the jumping player for a DFK every time if they fall, or thinking they are gaining leverage

Do you have any advice for these specific situations?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bob
The key to the decision is timing plus the use of the arms. Referee Dawson make the excellent point of angle of view. Many times the player from behind will jump a tad early which then allows him to lean into the opponent preventing him from jumping. If the two players jump at the same time the main possibility of the foul is the illegal use of the arms through holding. Pay particular attention to the defenders arms in these situations as that is the main means of fouls.
The referee also has to consider the player backing in yet that is a much rarer offence. Typically there the player in front makes no attempt to jump and it is a backward steps into the opponent. If he is just stood there doing nothing then it is not a foul by the attacker
I would also say to trust what it looks like to you. The defender that comes over the top of the attacker most times will be fouling the opponent in front with his arms. It will look like the attacker being under the defender. Give the foul and it sends out the message that you do not agree with that manner of coming over the player to win the ball.
On the angle of view that can prove difficult at times yet from situations such as goal kicks and punts where these are likely to happen the referee should make a strong effort to get close to the drop zone and viewing side on. That will help immensely to see foul contact. Even to the side from a distance will be much better than looking stright at the players from the front or rear.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Bob,

Based on your angle of view you look for body language clues and the timing of their actions whether it facilitate fair play, not a foul. Who is better positioned? Is one backing in ? The other jumping forward? Are both doing each at the same time? This makes it a difficult chore because the players will be adamant they were both trying to play the ball. Here you need to look for how the arms might be used. Arms or hands laid over top the shoulder holding the other down is the player arriving from the back or an elbow or free hand slapped into the face by a backing in player. You need to see if the head tilt is downward and forward into the other after a ball is played away. This will be vastly noticeable over both going straight up.

The most important aspect is the safety of the players. Head to head contact is SERIOUS! Please pay attention to the possibility of a concussion and or blood. Hopefully if you have good ARs, you get a look from another angle to help if you are uncertain as to who might be at fault. Always call WHAT you see. No one should fault a referee who shows concern, effort and a good grasp of the LOTG. That said it is your match your decision your reputation every single call! Be Fair Be consistent! Be sure you train, study and accept input from those who you respect. Seek the truth by study and experience be it your own or others. Follow your gut instincts as you develop the situational awareness competent referees will eventually glean.
Cheers

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