Question Number: 15165

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/12/2007

RE: Rec Under 14

Jason Martinez of Fort Worth, Texas USA asks...

Do you have any tips as to help distinguish acceptable vs. unacceptable use of the arms when shielding the opponent from the ball (stationary and dribbling)? Especially when dealing with youth matches.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Sure. The players are NOT allowed to use their arms while shielding. If they do, it's holding and punishable by a direct free kick

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yeah a player cannot extend an arm (stiff arm) to block a player from the ball. Also, grabbing the jersey is a holding foul too.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Tips on using the arms to prevent an opponent from getting to the ball?? Well, they can't. If they do blow the whistle and tell them "Not Today, Gents". Continue with this field condition until they figure out that "Not Today, Gents" means "Not Today, Gents".

U-14's are usually hard of hearing and take little direction but if they want to play Football they'll listen. Remember, the referee who stands around watching free kicks is not going to get all hot, sweaty and smell bad.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jason,
the arms being attached to the body will follow along and having them spread in a bit of a V hanging at the sides for balance while shielding the ball is fine. What we look for is backward motion, elbow or straight arm across throat or face. What generally occurs is the player shielding is doing a bit of illegal holding with his arms as the opponent is doing a bit of illegal pulling or holding as well. It may sound obtuse but as Ref Fleischers states Not Today, Gents" means "Not Today, Gents" as the referee has decided their acceptance of what consitutes FAIR PLAY is too broad. The player's acceptance and the referee's tolerance for just how much is too much is determined early in a match to set the standard althogh a gentle reminder now and then if they choose to forget could be added as needed! Look for backward motion by the shielding player! Look for the slingshot where the opponent tries to get an arm acoss the body to pull player back and move himself forward. Holding the jerseys well since they usually both do that you will warn, advise or punish as you see fit! Cheers