Question Number: 31079

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/2/2016

RE: Competitive High School

Kenneth of San Diego, CA USA asks...

I have a question about the interpretation of 'pushing' in the LOTG. I know that this particular offense seems to have the most leeway for interpretation amongst referee's of all the basic careless fouls.

Specifically, I am questioning about the extent of pushing that should be allowed with the body when fighting for position for the ball. The most prevalent instance in which this happens would be a ball slowly rolling out of bounds and a defender shielding it to let it roll for a goal kick while the attacker usually presses hard to try and save it.

This all assumes that another foul doesn't happen like a kick to the opponent in an attempt to reach the ball or a trip.
This struggle is usually dramatic with one player putting all their weight and muscles to push back using their back and the other leaning forward with all their strength with a short window of opportunity for them to succeed which can incidentally make both players fall if they lose the 'support' of the player they are leaning against. Both players usually feel wronged and in a heated match can result in a flash point. What is your criteria for determining when fighting for position tips over into pushing in this scenario and how much does your threshold vary from age group and game intensity?

Thank you for your input. I love this site.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ken,
thanks for the kind words we also find great pleasure in sharing our cumulative knowledge with those keen on improving their understanding of the LOTG. Your interest and dedication is evident in the question and reflects the ideal construct of what those who seek to improve do in the post game . Review the situations that cause us to ponder if we actually grasp the nuances of the game we are in charge of!

The LOTG permit a player to shield a ball that is (WITHIN PLAYING DISTANCE)! Playing distance would permit a player to be able to contact the ball within two steps at the speed of play. There is considerable distance between a static ball position: say a defender protecting it to allow his keeper to get to it first . Versus a running two strides: where the ball maybe moving quickly or slowly out of play and the shielding is to prevent the opponent from getting to that ball before the goal kick, throw in or corner is awarded.

Your observations on pushing have much merit, indicating you are indeed seeking to become a better official with greater understanding of the LOTG! One thing you might consider, players have a tolerance for unfair play, that THEY are willing to consider as acceptable. You need to be ok that it is not excessive or beyond your own bar setting standards. What one considers doubtful is we are unsure what's occurred whereas trifling is we choose to think it does not affect the outcome of play.

The shielding process has two conflicting actions we have the arm spread eagle backup the butt by the lead control guy versus the preying mantis claw pulling over the shoulder with the pushing lean onto the back by the trail player. You are astute in realizing they are both fouling the other to some degree. The winner usually does not get overly mad if they are successful in achieving their goal. As in shepherding the ball out for the restart or delay the opponent to use up time by the corner or allow the keeper to control or hold up the ball until support arrives.

A key point here is the lead guy has POSITION technically we defer to him as best suited to play the ball. The opponent who seeks to challenge will move about at angles and try to stick the leg through to poke the ball free seeking to gain shoulder access to legally push the other player off the ball. My colleague Ref Manjone makes two important points! 1: The force which drives a player to the ground is obviously blatant and discernable. This is usually the foul by the following player 2: Is the ball playable? In an effort to hold up the arm spread and BACKING up is the foul by the lead player. Once you are moving away from the ball how can you justify you are playing it? The closed fists on jerseys by both participants, one trying to prevent the other from getting around as the other pulls to get the needed angle. I often see the push shots from the rear that cause the lead player to miskick a ball into touch go unpunished . The loss of possession is frustrating given they were marginally pushed (albeit to create a stumble just not be knocked over). When you are looking in at these situations get in a bit tighter and rotate the angle of view if you can. If you see the fists closing to push/pull or the back up butt push or the arm flop over the shoulder remind them," HEY I m right here guys! Play the damn ball!
Cheers and Merry Christmas

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Kenneth,
In high school play, as is indicated in NFHS Rule 12-4-1: 'An allowable fair charge is where players make shoulder-to-shoulder contact in an upright position, within playing distance of the ball, have at least one foot on the ground, and the arms held close to the body.' If these conditions are not present, a player is to be penalized for charging. Also, a player can be penalized for charging in a reckless manner or using excessive force. The key ingredients here are the shoulder to shoulder contact and the foot on the ground. Also, the force should not be excessive, and should be less than that which could knock a player to the ground. Also, obstruction could be a factor here. As indicated in 12-5-1, Obstruction is the deliberate act by a player, not in possession of the ball and/or not attempting to play the ball of running between an opponent and the ball or using the body as an obstacle. !2-5-2 goes on to indicate that a player not attempting to play the ball, but remaining between the ball and an opponent, may be legally challenged from behind provided the challenge is not violent or dangerous (force enough to move the player aside but not knock him/her to the ground). Also, the ball must be within playing distance when the challenge occurs. I hope that your high school season is going well

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kenneth
You raise an interesting point. There are situations in the game such as the one you describe that may have limited foul contact in it such as pushing or holding yet may not be called. The reason is that it sort of goes with the territory of shielding. Referees tend to be generous with what is playing distance to the ball and also by allowing a level of physicality that might otherwise be punished. If I felt that the contact between players was going to escalate into a flash point I would certainly intervene. I also think it good refereeing to feel the mood if the game and call the foul early rather than allowing it to develop. A typical exa,old us using up the clock on a short corner. I adopt zero tolerance in those situations and I call the foul early at the slithest hint of foul contact.
It is also worth noting that players accept certain contact as not fouls such as shielding the ball when it is not within playing distance or holding out an arm when shielding to keep the opponent at arms length.