Question Number: 15004

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/18/2007

RE: Premier Soccer Club Under 17

Gerry of Kaneohe, Hawaii USA asks...

The ball is kicked in the air. The defensive persons is directly behind the offensive person and he is about a foot taller. As the ball comes down, they both jump in the air to try and head the ball. The defense goes over the back and head of the offense and heads the ball. Would this be consider a foul?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Gerry,
not unless he used his arms to hold or push or went running into that opponent from the rear. Can not punish a player for being taller or jumping higher! Cheers

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Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I agree with Ref Dawson. Only if the taller player used his hands or body to unfairly challenge the ball. Just because he is taller does not mean we favor the shorter player.

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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If by "over the back and head" of the opponent you mean the defender was occupying space above his opponent, and then would crash down on top of him, it clearly would be a foul. If he was simply able to jump higher and safely play the ball, I agree with my colleagues, it's not a foul. In fact, it's pretty good defense!

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