Question Number: 14884

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/23/2007

RE: Grade 8 Adult

Ryan of Dallas, TX USA asks...

I have two sceanarios regarding Law 12.

A player of Team A fouls two opponents identically at the same time, i.e. grabs two jerseys at the same time. Where is the ball positioned for the restart?

Two players on Team A begin to shout abusive foul language from two different locations on the field. Stopping play to deal with misconduct here results in an indirect free kick but where should the ball be positioned for the free kick?

In both cases I believe the restart should be positioned at the infringement location that is best for the opposing team, Team B. Is this correct procedure?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You are correct. If two infringements happen simultaneously, the ref "punishes" the most severe. Usually that means the actions of one player can be seen as two different fouls, so the ref chooses the one that has a DFK restart instead of an IFK. Very seldom do two events happen exactly at the same time.

In the case of your player tugging on two shirts at the same time, if it can be determined that he grabbed one first, that's the one you go with. If that's not the case, if indeed player A grabbed both player B's at the same time, take the one closer to the goal - even if that means a PK because one was inside the penalty area and the other outside.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Whever the referee feels first offense occurred. If they were simulataneous, I would penalize at the spot closer to the goal or if in the penalty area, the one that results in a PK. Ball is positioned at spot of where the contact was made or would have been made. If referee stops play to issue a yellow card, match restarts with an IFK at spot of offense. Again, at spot where the player was standinmg when he shouted out the misconduct. Whichever player acted first will lose the IFK for hsi team.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Although I doubt this would ever happen, if they are indeed equal and simultaneous infringements, then I would also restart as you suggest in scenario 2. In scenario 1, the restart is where the player pulled down both opponents

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

It sounds stupid but I watched a player grab two oppoents by the hair to pull them back as he tried to head the ball so it is possible. I sent the player off for VC but I suppose we could have made the case for USB and two cautions! ;o)

We restart from where ever we think the first player who was fouled but if unsure restart location as a DFK there is no worries to a blade of grass restart, the general area is likely fine if away from goal, however, if near goal or in the pk area which ever foul location is to the best advantage.

If we stopped play because two teammates engaged in cautionable misconduct on the field of play while the ball is in play we INDFK restart from where ever we think the first player who initiated it! If it truly is a toss up pick the best location for the opposing team!
Cheers