Question Number: 16695

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/15/2007

RE: Competive Adult

Jose Oreamuno of Vancouver, BC Canada asks...

Can you please clarify in a simple way how the slide tackle works on a clean and a cautinable matter, so I can explain to a new group of coaches for this new soccer season.

Thanks, Jose

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Yes, a simple way is never touch the opponent before the ball. Never touch the opponent after the ball if a boot is in the air. Never touch the opponent if a leg is raised. Simple enough.

The rest lies to the judgement of the referee on the day, if the touch never done is a kick or a trip and it is careless, reckless or excessively forceful it is foul play or foul play and a caution or a sending-off. If the touch never done is before touching the ball it is foul play in its own right.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jose,
new coaches and foul recognition hmmm not sure that goes hand in hand? How about a course in agreeing to disagree? ;o)

Consider the ten penal laws, most assuredly the first three with a touch of the 5 and 6 and definitely the 7th possibly the 8th all play a part in the actions that go with a slide tackle where a player will go to ground to knock the ball away!

Have two players who are skilled demonstrate a safe clean by the book tackle where a single outstretched leg with foot outstretched connects the ball leading away from the body with the opposing leg bent back at the knee low along the ground with no contact. Now progressively have them do the same only have the upright player fall over the outstretched leg and or body AFTER the ball is gone and explain still this is not a trip just a result of two players having unavoidable contact after the ball is fairly played.

Then get the slide tackles to demonstrate the acts that make it into a foul after the ball is first contacted. The first one use the slide tackle is once the ball is gone sweep the trail leg into the back of the upright player or raise the trail leg so it takes a bit out of the thigh ankle or groin as he slide on by. JUMP in at high speed and studs extended that create the need for the upright player to bail out for safety as the ball is pushed through the upright player. Use the arms to strike or pull or grab the upright player! All these actions occur AFTER the ball is first contacted yet there is a subsequent foul still present.

Now we get to the real issue penal foul #7 ? tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball
By definition a referee could almost call every bit of physical contact and be technically correct in doing so despite the effect of killing the match. However on a slide tackle the outstretched leg will come in at angle or over the top often making contact with the upright player?s leg or thigh prior to contacting the ball even if slightly it can be enough to lose control or collapse the upright player. Or the incoming foot might catch the upright players foot just after or at the same time as the ball. Now as an opinion a referee with integrity sees what he sees even if others see it different and the one thing new coaches need is an ability to hold their tongues! Just agree to disagree and leave it at that!
How you show a careless foul from one that is excessive or reckless relates to the force, speed and direction of the event. Remind those at your meeting that the safety of all players is the prime consideration when there is a challenge of ANY kind!

Make a way for input from coaches to be honored in reporting the referees conduct and abilities without persecution or resentment but in a positive training mentor, and sharing program! Regular meetings between coaches and referees is one way to share the game and improve why things are done . Do not isolate the participants from exchanging ideas and concerns. This is not an us versus then this is a game that we are in for the benefit of out kids and the welfare of the players. Remind the coaches each referee is on the learning curve of experience and skill. Likely at different levels but each is a match condition that they must adapt to for that game
A referee decision on a fact of play is uncontestable so do not argue an opinion agree to disagree and move on!

Direct Free Kick
A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits
any of the following 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
? strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
? pushes an opponent
A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player
commits the following offences:
? tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact
with the opponent before touching the ball
? holds an opponent

Cheers

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

See Question: 20628