Question Number: 32449

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/14/2018

RE: Youth-Adult, rec and competitive

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

Foul recognition question. Assuming the point of contact to be the blue player's shoulder blade: if the white defender should succeed in nudging the blue player off the ball, would it be a foul? (In this case, the pass got off before light contact.)

That's the way I've been calling it and I too often get groans from the penalized players that it was 'shoulder to shoulder, ref!' Sometimes even, 'That's how we play in this league.'

https://photos.imageevent.com/barstewart/fairfieldfundraisertournaments/2018tournament/huge/A5120431.jpg

Thanks again!

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Barry based on the picture I can not see it as a shoulder to shoulder but shoulder into the back The shoulder can roll forward slightly or tilt back slightly upon impact but look at this picture of a solid hard but legal tackle .

https://www.independent.ie/incoming/article30475886.ece/ALTERNATES/h342/shoulderharte_Cropped.jpg
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
The basis of a legal charge is shoulder to shoulder contact with the ball within playing distance. The contact as well must not be excessive or reckless.
So when I look at your picture the contact is into the players back not his side. As the ball is on its way the contact is also late and a certain foul.
I also believe that many players are mistaken in that they believe that as long as the initiating contact is with the shoulder that it is legal not matter what part of the opponents is contacted. Not so. It must be side to side and as I describe it as easing an opponent off the ball.
Now most referees get complaints from players who have illegally charged an opponent citing shoulder use, opponents losing balance etc. I ignore that as just plain wrong nor would I accept the excuse of how the game is played in that league.
Interestingly both players have no shin pads!