Question Number: 33047

High School 2/6/2019

RE: High School

Larry of Danville, CA US asks...

This question is a follow up to question 33039

I believe high school is now consistent with IFAB when considering DOGSO in the penalty area. Referencing a recently revised section in the 2018/2019 NFHS Rules Book:

'Section 12.8.1 Situation D: Player A, while attempting to play the ball, trips the attacking player in the penalty area, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Ruling: The official awards a penalty kick to the opponents and issues a caution to Player A.'

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Larry ,
I was sort of right in I mentioned they would likely follow suit lol That is why I rarely comment on USA high school as I do not do USA high-school matches so I am often unaware if the rules change . I do try to reread & post the links but it is why FIFA has the one set of laws policy world wide, even as I understand the degree of responsibility the education system tries to instill in the participants treating the game as an outdoor classroom.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Larry,

You are correct. The rule that you state is a new change that removed a situation where a player is disqualified and a penalty kick awarded. The rules committee felt that the old rule was too strict and was penalizing a team twice for the same misconduct.

I appreciate your pointing this out.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Larry,
Sorry for getting this wrong earlier. I just re-checked and as ref Manjone has pointed out, you are entirely correct. The play ruling you reference is based on a new section 12-8-1f, 15 which I had overlooked before and which states that:

''A player, coach or bench personnel shall be cautioned (yellow card) for:
f. unsporting conduct, including, but not limited to: 15. A player who commits an offense against an opponent within his/her team penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, if the offense was an attempt to play the ball.''

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Larry
Good catch and thanks for pointing this out. Answers have been amended
One of the challenges of rule / law changes is ensuring everyone is up to date.