Question Number: 33448

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/15/2019

RE: Travel Under 11

Taylor of Bedford, NH United States asks...

I had a player squat down and pick up the ball between his knees and being hopping down the field. I called it and awarded the other team an IFK but I am confused if the play was legal. Any thoughts?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Taylor
Yes this is an offence of playing in a dangerous manner punished by an IDFK
The only way that an opponent can play the ball is to risk kicking the player in the knee at the same time. As that is a danger to the player with the ball it is PIADM against that player.
Somewhat surprised that an U11 attempted this type of ruse as usually it happens at older age groups.
Anyway glad that you called it despite your doubts and subsequent confusion.
As an aside a player could make one move such as this to avoid a challenge and then drop the ball which is perfectly legal. Referee Dawson has given an example of same where players use the an ankle wedge to move the ball

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Taylor,

One of the challenges all referees face is how to deal with one of those 1-in-a-million scenarios that aren't explicitly covered by the LOTG. In those cases, you need to use your understanding of the laws - that goes deeper than the simple text - and work out what applies to the weird situation.

I think you've done well here. In all honesty, it's still easy to safely play the ball - poking it out from between the legs can't be stopped by that player - but they are certainly limiting how opponents can play the ball and creating a situation where most methods of playing the ball start creating some risk, so that's one half of PIADM met. At U/11 in particular, I'd expect players to avoid the challenge simply not knowing what to do - so that satisfied PIADM for me.

Older ages? On one hand, the players are more likely to quickly figure out what to do. On the other, they're also more likely to 'teach the player a lesson' and wind up with a big kick on the ball rather than just poking it away - so it would be up to you if you want to put a stop to it immediately or allow the opponents to challenge. Either would be permissible; I'd say it also comes down to the temperament of the game. Aggressive game that's barely under control, versus a low-grade meaningless match that the players are having fun with, and joking with each other?

But as for this young age group in particular, I think stopping it was definitely the right thing to do. A card at any age is not necessary - an IFK is ample punishment and message.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Taylor, lol you are describing the Blanco bunny/kangaroo hop lol Cuauhtemoc Blanco debuted his trademark move, "The Cuauhtemiña," against South Korea at the 1998 World Cup. It was a tactic he tried to jump a ball past two defenders on various occasions. It was discussed at length and for all practical purposes if it BECAME an issue it COULD be INDFK for PIADM as the ball is only challenged by a kick to the upper thigh or knees if the ball is wedged inside. Cuauhtémoc Blanco was known for his attacking ability and played most of his career as a deep-lying forward and his last years as an attacking midfielder. Blanco is considered to be one of the greatest Mexican footballers of all time, as well as one of the best penalty takers of all time.
Cheers

https://youtu.be/4pIuck2ndPM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G237cypBq8