Question Number: 15541

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/20/2007

RE: rec Under 13

Christian McVey of Midvale, UT USA asks...

Man to man defence? We had a coach marking one of our players for the whole game every where our player went she went even when the ball was no where around. Eventully it became very physical between the two players and took. My ? is is this a legal play or does the player marking need to play the ball not a player?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

This is perfectly legal so long as the players abide by the laws of the game. Noteably, they should not break law 12 - which specifies a list of offenses that a player can commit against another player. If this happens the referee must get involved.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Referees must recognise when this is going on and pay a little more attention because, sooner or later, one of them will do something really stupid. Trash talk, a bump here or there, the stomping of a foot, all the things we learn on the television and in the school yard that tend to put off someone, will be tried.

I told my players to expect this, especially when "marking close enough to know when their deodorant failed". They were instructed not to talk back, not to thump, and not to back off. Get there, be there and don't give up the ball without being beaten fairly. If the referee allowed some things don't hesitate to use them, too. If the referee denied some things you're stupid to get caught doing them.

It is perfectly legal, but when you do it right your opponent is going to get all steamed up and try to get rid of you. When that happens he looses effectiveness, don't you loose yours.

Regards,