Question Number: 32518

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/18/2018

RE: Adult

Bob gallagher of Brisbane, Queensland Australia asks...

When I was playing 30 years ago if you challenged an opponent in a tackle, you could only use your shoulder against his shoulder when competing for the ball. I have noticed over the last 20 years or so that players now use their arms to fend off tacklers, or even hold them back when competing for a 50/50 ball. Has the law or interpretation changed over this period?

Thanks

Bob

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bob
Thanks for the question. The interpretation has not changed and a legal charge must still be shoulder to shoulder with the ball within playing distance. Same as it was 30 years ago!
Over the 30 years or so the level of legal charging has diminished significantly with shoulder to shoulder legal charging being the exception. In some way physicality is being taken out of the game. When it is attempted now some players tend to use the arm as well as the shoulder which can be difficult for referees to pick up at speed.
I also think that the advent of video replay and super slow video technology can show the illegal use of arms more clearly which has no doubt existed for a very long time. Looking back at old videos there was one camera view and very little view else. Now we have 5/6 different camera angles.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Bob,
I think the multiple camera angles make this more apparent. I also think we could more barge into players in the old days as reckless or excessive force where that seems to no longer be but perhaps the free arms tend to palm pull or push or arms exed across where either player has a shirt full of the other .
The LOTG read essentially the same but I think you are not totally off on it has been adjusted slightly.
Cheers