Question Number: 15496

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/16/2007

RE: Club and Town Travel Under 11

Alec Schaefer of Marblehead, MA USA asks...

I often have my arm up a bit as I am dribbling upfield in control of the ball with a defender beside me. I do not hold onto the player or grab him or his clothing, but my hand and/or forearm will touch the defender's arm or front, and, if the defender gets very close, I may push back with my arm and shoulder. In a recent game, I got called for "stiff arming" by one ref, although my elbow was bent and I was more holding off as opposed to pushing.

Are there general guidelines for what is or is not permitted with respect to arms and contact? Some people say that as long as the elbow is bent it is ok. Others say that the elbow should remain against the side but the forearm can come up.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Touching is not a foul. Holding or pushing are fouls.

Look at your description again. "I may push back" ... "I was more holding off as opposed to pushing."

If while you are touching, you exert a force against your opponent, it could be a foul. It doesn't matter if the arm is up or down, elbow bent or not. The referee will decide if the contact is more than trifling, and if so the call would be made.

You may fairly charge your opponent while making a play for the ball. Generally that means shoulder-to-shoulder, although sometimes that is not possible where there are height differences between players.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

What you describe are both pushing and holding which are penal fouls. I'd suggest you keep your arm down in the future. It's a myth that if you keep your elbow bent you cannot be guilty of foul play.