Question Number: 32070

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/30/2017

RE: Competitive Under 14

Aaron Speca of Virginia Beach, VA USA asks...

This one is tougher to call for me than it appeared to be when I saw it live. I was sure that there was a foul on the black attacker, but now I'm not as sure. Originally I thought the contact had started after the ball was played away by the blue defender. Replay shows that contact began as the ball was being played. However, it doesn't appear to me that black made any kind of move to play the ball prior to or while initiating the charge, and instead just moved the blue defender out of the way. It's also not clear to me whether the black player used his arm to push off (which I was originally sure he did). I think I still lean towards a foul here, but was curious on your thoughts. No call on the field, goal counted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOvlXr9jAtk

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Aaron
Thanks for the video. Inconclusive based on what is shown here although just as the trail,AR comes into view there seems to be a raised arm by Black and what looks like dipping towards the Blue defender. Blue has to be stronger here as he is moved too easily for my liking.
As a general comment on all of the videos posted there is a lack of movement by the officials. The AR should be appearing here in the video in my opinion and there is a possibility of offside yet that can only be seen if the AR is up with the ball.
The CR from his starting position is slow off the mark although he probably should see any arm push movement as he must be directly behind the challenge although perhaps too far back for my liking. If he is 10 yards from this he will *sense* the foul.
So yes a foul could have been called although not a certain one. It is not blatant and one that I would not highlight as a loss of marks in an assessment. Poor defending here with poor body shape and too easily moved off the ball is the main reason for the goal being conceded.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Aaron,
Hmm Actually I think the blue player was off balanced and a bit of a nudge over he went from that angle I would make NO call .
Cheers

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

See Question: 32072