Question Number: 30686

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/25/2016

Petr of Prague, Czech Republic Czech Republic asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30675

Hello, describe please exactly what is promising attack and what is not. Thank you!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Petr
It is in the eye of the beholder and there would be different levels. Generally a promising attack would be where the player with the ball has space to run into and that the number and location of defenders and attacker would be to the attackers benefit. As the numbers increase on the attacking side and the ball us closer to goal the attack gets more promising.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Petr,
hmm promising attacks generally speak to an easily identifiable benefit to the attacking team as recognized by the referee when deciding NOT to stop play for a possible free kick /infringement as in the offended team has free space to operate, having available teammates in good passing lanes, chances to score, out numbering the opposition or moving in behind the opposition at a faster pace. Generally mid third attacking third rarely in defending third but not impossible.
The referee looks to see whether the GOOD is undone against the player advancing with the ball by being closed off or down by close defenders as he might be struggling to stay balanced or in touch with the ball thus shutting down the promising attack by the defenders being able to use the foul/infraction against the attacker as time to recover.
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 30938