Question Number: 16538

League Specific 9/4/2007

RE: Select Under 14

M Senghera of Vancouver, BC Canada asks...

At what age group are you allowed to slide check , or is there even an age group

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

You can legally play the ball with a slide tackle unless the league has stated a restriction not too. The very young and the older 40 plus often put such physical restrictions due to the calibre of play, and the possibility of injury. That said many referees at the younger ages lack experiance in defining exactly what a or how a good legal slide tackle is. Poor timing and improper technique can make the slide effort quite dangerous and the player who chooses to do so MUST be sanctioned for it if that is so! As a coach I teach going to ground is a last resort tackle, positional and team tactics are better to take the ball or deny space!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Tackling for the ball is sometimes a league prerogative if done on the floor. Some leagues will say enjoy yourselves and others will say that's way too dangerous and outlaw it. All depends...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

This depends on the league. In most competitive leagues, slide tackling is allowed. It is banned in some rec leagues.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 16631