Question Number: 15580

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/23/2007

RE: Under 18

Korby of Wichita, KS USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15554

As it turns out the ref was dead wrong [15554], my keeper was not on his way down, he was kicked down by both feet of the opposing players feet first challenge LAW 12 forbids lunging at another player. As our Video clearly shows the player started making a play for the ball at the 6 yard box at our back post the cross came in and bounced the opposing player got to the ball he jumped in the air with both feet and kicked the ball,my keeper in the chest and then landed on him.
Please see the video at the link provided to make your
own judgement as to whether there was dangerous play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmtxLrHyAgM&NR=1


LAW 12:

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if
a player commits any of the following six offences in
a manner considered by the referee to be CARELESS,
RECKLESS or using EXCESSIVE FORCE:
- kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
- trips or attempts to trip an opponent
- JUMPS AT AN OPPONENT
- charges an opponent
- strikes or attempts to strike an opponent pushes an
opponent

Decision 4
A tackle, which ENDANGERS THE SAFETY of an opponent,
must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

As you can clearly witness in the provided video, the
opposing player JUMPED AT our goalkeeper in a
CARELESS, RECKLESS, EXCESSIVLEY FORCABLE and DANGEROUS
manner resulting in an injury sustained by same said
goalkeeper as witnessed by both the center referee and
the field marshal at the referee station.

Thanks,

Wichita Soccer Club

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The referee was in a reasonably good position to see what happened. Both players committed for a ball that was free to play. It is a classic U-19 case of immortality instead of pulling out of a challenge because you felt safety was in question. YES the foot was up, yes it was a, perhaps, potentially dangerous act but neither player gave up play BECAUSE of the dangerous act. Because the referee was there to see and had an opinion regarding what he saw my comments remain.

People get hurt playing this Game. It happens all the time and will continue to happen as long as winning is everything. Neither player cared, a goal was scored, one of the players was injured. It happens.

I will comment the referee seemed unconcerned with what was happening until after the collision occurred. I would advise him to be more aware when the ball is being contested like this. He should be MUCH closer to play or moving at more than a slow walk towards play. These actions show inexperience or high levels of fatigue.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Watched the video. Of course the cleats were up as the attacker was trying to kick the ball that was in the air. That's not a foul. It appears to me that the attacker got the ball and then fell onto your keeper. He did not, in my opinion, foul your keeper not was your keeper put off by his attempt to kick the ball so I also do not think playing in a dangerous manner is readily apparent. Perhaps if I was on the field I'd have a different opinion. Based on this video I cannot support your statement that the referee was "dead wrong". I do believe that other referees may see this differently but based on your video I can easily see how this is open to interpretation by a referee on the field. As a former coach and parent I understand when a player is hurt you want a foul but the reality is that players get hurt all the time without foul play