Question Number: 30738

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/9/2016

RE: Competitive High School

Charlie of Chicago, Illinois USA asks...

So during the game, I was behind a player and after he took a touch, I yelled 'YAH' behind him so he would get scared. After this he froze looked behind and I stole the ball, but the referee blew his whistle and game him a free kick. Is this fair? I have done it countless times and the referees have not told me not to do that. Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Charlie,

Thanks for asking.

It's surprising that referees have let you go on this far. Verbally distracting the opponent is unsporting behaviour - you should receive a yellow card every time you do that.

It's simply not part of the way the game is played.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Charlie,

This was (more or less) the subject of a recent question # 30730. In his reply to that, ref Manjone referred to NFHS rule 12.8.7f which specifically outlaws this kind of unsporting behaviour. As with IFAB laws, the referee should stop play for this, issue a caution to the offender and restart with an indirect free kick to the opponents.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Charlie
The reaction of the player in this case may have been more marked than other players and the offence was more obvious than in the past.
A deliberate verbal tactic is unsporting conduct in high school, and as indicated in NFHS Rule 12-8-f7, a caution is to be given to the offending player. If the referee gave an IDFK only then that was in error as a should Aldo have been issued
Sometimes the shout has no effect on a player and the referee may let it slide as trifling or doubtful. The fact here is that it did work with the player stopping and the ball lost which did have a significant impact on play.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

No, it isn't fair for the ref to give the other team a free kick. You should have been cautioned, and then the indirect free kick would be for stopping play to caution you.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Charlie,

As indicated by the other referees, you were fortunate not to receive a caution for misconduct. As indicated by others, this is considered a deliberate verbal tactic which is unsporting conduct (NFHS Rule 12-8-1-f4). The NFHS Rules Book also includes a similar situation that can further help you understand deliberate verbal tactics. It is 12.8.1 Situation A on page 60 of the NFHS Rules Book: 'Player A2 is waiting to receive a ball in the air. Opponent B2, who is behind A2, shouts, 'I'll take it' in an obvious attempt to deceive A2 into thinking B2 is a teammate calling for the ball. Ruling: Stop play, caution B2 for unsporting conduct and restart with an indirect kick by Team A at the spot of the infraction. I hope this will convince you not to use this tactic in the future. I do wish that you have a very successful high school season.