Question Number: 15522

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/19/2007

RE: Rec Under 7

Darlene Koch of Warwick, Rhode Island USA asks...

How high can you leg kick when kicking a soccer ball? For example, when my son plays defense and kicks the ball quite far down the field, or when he's on offense and trying to kick the ball out of a group of kids, how high can his leg actually kick? Shoulder, waist... is there any rule? Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

He may kick his leg as high as he wants. There's no foul known as "high kick". What he CANNOT do is play in a dangerous manner. In order for this foul to occur, 3 things must take place 1. The action must be dangerous, 2. there must be an opponent nearby, and 3. the opponent must somehow be disadvantaged. Remember, fouls are against opponents.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

When their attention began to wane I taught U-9 players to do overhead kicks just to break the monotony of learning diving headers. Worked in two ways, they had fun in practise and there were a couple of brilliant goals from those paying attention during the week.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Whatever the referee considers dangerous. If the foot comes close to an opponents face and the opponent shys away from the play, then it should be considered dangerous play.