Question Number: 16604

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/8/2007

RE: Adult

Colin of Yantai, China asks...

I would just like to ask the ref what your opinion is on 'simulation'. Do you think it would be appropriate to show red cards for severe acts, if the ref was able to see it clearly. IMO it is the only way to put an end to it. Appropriate red card acts of simulation would be trying to win a penalty unfairly, or trying to get another player sent-off.

Looking forward to hearing your views,

Colin

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

We already have a method to deal with simulation - a caution for Unsporting Behavior. That is not used in far too many cases, because it is difficult to clearly see that the act was simulation. If the penalty was a send-off, we would have to be even more cautious.

Better would be a league-sponsored post-game video review in the upper levels of the game. If simulation is found in the game tapes, the player's card count is adjusted accordingly, and he would have to sit out a game when he hits the league limit. Leagues are free to make their rules regarding suspensions of players. This would not be treading on the referee's authority, but would be another valid use of the league's powers and duties.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The only reason simulation is present is because referees have allowed it to be present. If dealt with under the Law there would never have been the need to add Intermational FA Board Decision 5 to Law 12.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

You are correct that this form of cheating is a blight on the beautiful game. But, whether I think a send-off/red card is appropriate or not doesn't matter, because FIFA has determined the act of simulating a foul or an injury warrants the issue of a caution/yellow card and nothing more. Now, if I find a player is trying to cheat in this manner, he may find he gets a second yellow quickly if he didn't learn the first time I was serious about not behaving in this fashion. I agree with Ref Voshol that sometimes the simulations are very hard to judge if a referee hasn't studied the teams and players and the game, thus knows when and where to expect such behavior, by whom and can therefore get herself into a position to see it happen.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

If a referee clearly understands the player is deceitful and acting in an effort to get an opponent sent off , cautioned or draw a foul, obtain a goal or simply waste time to allow his team to recover. He can act decisive and in good knowledge that the caution and showing of the yellow card is a clear message such action is reprehensible and will not be tolerated!

At issue is we have public ally called to attention this player is a cheater and as a matter of integrity it is a tough nugget to swallow IF you are NOT guilty.

A tired player can go down easier; a nub of the cleat off an ankle bite can inflict much pain and cause a player to go to ground with no special effects to make it as abundantly clear as a excessive tackle that flips you upside down from behind!

Also referees who allow a player to be fouled and see it as trivial or doubtful where the player is not seeing it the same way will feel pressured to sell the foul by saying look at me ref and see what is going on here and flopping rather than playing through.

As the elite leagues are videoed some things the camera can catch the referee might not and a league could fine or discipline accordingly.

A referee must feel the game, hear the impact, read the body language and get the best position to rotate quickly into the best angle of view with help from his ARs and 4th to collaborate on incidents that require intervention and when not to intervene.

A quick series of waves palm up I saw nothing wrong, so do not try to play me get up now! Good use of advantage to indicate yes there is a foul but continue! The quiet or quick word after an incident to get the feel of the player for what just occurred if you did play advantage!
The benefit of doubt talks where you need to play through that stuff and not go to ground so easy. Foul recognition, be sure and make the calls rather then frustrate players into selling them back to you!
Cheers