Question Number: 14894

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/24/2007

RE: Premier Under 15

Darren Boynton of Saco, Maine USA asks...

A player tries to play the ball out of the air by raising her leg about chest level and swinging around to send the ball downfield. At the same time opposing player is trying to run through the ball to play it with her chest. First player swings through, strikes the ball and the opposing player runs into her leg sending both players to the ground.... what is the call?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Would have to see the play but my gut feeling is the player raising her leg is playing in a dangerous manner.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Darren,
tough to call without seeing the incident but I see no PIADM if the opposing player is not affected in their challenge.
The decision is in whether a referee feels either attempt was a justified play at the ball and whether careless reckless or excessive elements were within either challenge? We might look to see if the player kicking was aware of the opponent and chose to disreguard that fact or if the charging opponent could see the player kicking the ball but decided to continue the run into the player just because making no attempt to break off once the ball was cleared. Generally one player or the other is first to the ball! Although the piviot and leg swing is NOT illegal neither is trying to run on to and chest a ball only if either act was undertaken to intimidate the opponent could a referee find fault and if the players appear unscathed could even be deemed acceptable if not fair. I tend to put a greater emphasis on high kicks taken without reguard of the surrounding conditions as being less desirable then most other ways to play a high or chest level to head level ball.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The referee must determine who established how the ball was to be played, with the foot or with the chest. Once this is determined he can judge whether the Laws have been infringed. Ref Dawson explains the "this and that" aspect. I'll add this: if the players themselves accept this action as "Fair Play" the referee should not intervene by stopping things, but a word to each about being a bit more careful may prove useful.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Without seeing it live it is hard to make a decision. I tend to think it would be a dangerous play here on the player with the leg up at chest level. If there were opponents near that hesitated to play ball because of this, then it would be a definite yes to the dangerous play. Another possibility would be a careless charge on the player that rumbled into the opponents.