Question Number: 15115

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/3/2007

RE: Select Under 18

Malcolm Pearson of Medina, Tennessee USA asks...

Here's a situation I've had more than once over the years. Top of the penalty area, just beyond the 18, an offensive player takes a shot and just as it gets away he is blasted by a defender-- no attempt to play the ball, definitely a yellow card. But you have to play on to allow the shot an opportunity to enter the goal.

My understanding has been I can't bring the ball back if a goal is not scored. The player got his shot off unimpeded and I can't give him a second bite at the apple. Now what do I do with the defender who has fouled the forward after the shot? If the ball is out for a goal kick it's fairly simple. I stop play, book the offender, then restart with a goal kick. But what if the keeper makes the save and has possession. Does it make sense to wait for a stoppage that may be five or more minutes down the road to get the defensive player in the book? Or should I stop play, book the offender, then restart with a drop to the keeper? That second way is not by the book but it seems more in keeping with the spirit of game control and showing I won't tolerate the sort of foul I have just seen.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Malcolm,

Usually when I hear someone referring to having 2 bites of the apple it means that the player was fouled, advantage was given and THEN the player missed the opportunity that they had. You can't come back and give them a 2nd try at it.

Your scenario is different. You present a player who is just outside the penalty area who takes a shot and before the ball is out of play a defender subsequently commits a foul. In my view, if you call the foul you're not giving the attacker a 2nd bite at the apple - you're simply punishing for a reckless tackle that occurred after the shot was taken.

Now given the speed the ball will travel on most shots on goal this gives the referee an opportunity to be a little bit slow with the whistle. If the ball goes into the goal, award it and caution the player. However, if anything else should occur I would chomp down on my whistle and blow. Next, I would caution the defender and proceed by giving the attacking team a direct free kick.

This sort of foul intends to be there late - why not punish the defenders for not making a legitimate play of the ball? Thugs and cheaters don't deserve to get away with anything and punishing their team shows them they can't.

Now, if the shot had already gone out of play and then the contact occurred, you would have merely misconduct, but the likelihood that a red card is in order would go way up.

Use your best judgment and have fun.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I agree with my colleague here. If the foul comes after the shot, then it is different than the player being fouled but maintaining his advantage. The key thing here is...where was the ball when the foul happend. If ball was on field, then you can award a dfk or pk if in penalty area. Else, we just have misconduct.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Hi Malcolm. Free shots are not allowed in this Game, though few referees seem to have attended the clinic where that subject was discussed.

All the referee need have is the opinion that player is guilty of misconduct and needs to be disciplined. Once that opinion is taken the referee must think Advantage , Play on; try to make the signal and try to shout. That, sir, is all you need do. It sets the stage for what comes next.

If the ball goes in the net you're a hero. Caution the defender before restarting. If the ball doesn't enter the goal the advantage was NOT realised, blow the whistle and give the direct free kick or penalty kick after cautioning the defender. You shouldn't get the card over your head instantly either, move to a neutral spot, beckon him over, while you are beckoning him make sure the attackers don't want a quick restart, then explain what he did using exaggerated gestures and stern looks. If any of his team mates approach you a very loud GET AWAY or you're next in the book usually gives you peace and quiet. At this moment it is a really good idea to show the attack they'll wait for a whistle. Once this defender understands you are seriously displeased with him and all around are well away finish writing and put your book away. THEN show the card! Then move to deal with the restart.

It is an involved procedure but EVERYONE knows what is going to happen on the next, supposed, free shot.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I have to agree with my cohorts. The shooter got hammered AFTER the shot. Wait a second or two to see what happens then caution the opponent for his free and cheap shot. Keep in mind that even if a goal is scored you still caution the defender. No goal, award a DFK and still caution the defender