Question Number: 31496

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/28/2017

RE: Rec women Adult

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 31493

On the 'playing in a dangerous manner' theme: in a recent match, I saw a player dribble through a few defenders with her elbows swinging up close to face level.

There was no contact and no one winced away. I've seen enough of this player to know that the high elbows likely weren't accidental. I made no call, though was ready to flash a yellow, at minimum, if there had been any contact.

Would 'high elbow/s, no contact' be an unusual but legitimate PIADM call? I've never called it or seen it called, myself.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
Never seen this myself and from what you describe would seem very unnatural. Perhaps if the player lifted her arms to avoid contact then no issue. If however she was using her elbows as a *weapon* against opponents then it needs to be dealt with strongly with a free kick and at minimum a caution.
Personally I do not see it as PIADM yet rather illegal charging,striking should there be contact. At least reckless if not using excessive force.
In the recent Ireland V Wales game Glenn Whelan raised his arm and elbow into his opponent Joe Allen while challenging for the ball. I suspect it was for protection yet it made contact with the opponent in the head. The referee did not take any disciplinary action yet many felt that it was at least a caution if not a dismissal.
http://i1.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/article10135888.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/inpho_01186781.jpg

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Barry,
it sounds more like attempting to strike then PIADM. I used to have difficult time when players' went up to head a ball in a crowd with arms splayed and the opponent getting cracked in the noggin. The elbow was not fired at the head but the position itself was to give space and where two heads or more are challenging for the ball contact was often inevitable.

I thinking about your unique take on this matter, if it was an unusual motion and noticeable and opponents were kind of ducking or pulling away by all means award the INDFK if it fits YOUR opinion of endangering the opponent unnecessarily by PIADM. As an opinion on a fact of play! Your match your decision your reputation!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Barry,
As mentioned in the question this one refers to, PIADM can be ''any action that, while trying to play the ball, threatens injury to someone ...''

So while the actions you describe would be an unusual example of the offence and one that I also, have never seen, if you as a referee decide that it meets the criteria, I believe you would be within your rights to call it.

I would mention that up until the 2016-17 Laws changes, the wording on this offence was more prescriptive in terms of requiring nearby opponents to be directly affected. By changing the definition, the IFAB has seemingly made a more flexible interpretation of it possible.

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

See Question: 31515