Question Number: 16778

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/18/2007

RE: AYSO High School

Jonathan Gingerich of Los Angeles, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 2987

Yeesh! It's not that difficult...do what everybody else does...give the DFK to the defense!-) You don't want two players with their blood up swinging at a ball bouncing off the turf. And even if the ball is at midfield, it's not a great scoring opportunity...

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

FIFA Q&A LAW 5
14. While the ball is in play, two opposing players commit offences at the same time. What action does the referee take?
He stops the play, and depending on the offences, cautions or sends
off the players, or takes no disciplinary action. The match will be
restarted by a dropped ball, from the place where the ball was when
the offences were committed. Yeesh! It's not that difficult...
Yes a DFK out for the defence is fine if they deserve it but do what everybody else does just who is everybody?
The incident HAS two opposing players already engaged, I am afraid I do not agree on your logic on this one?
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Here's the deal Jonathan. Doing like everyone else is usually not the best solution to every problem. I tend to think applying the Law is always better. The question you referenced was answered by three referees in 2001. The answer was valid then and as Ref Dawson references FIFA Q&A 2006 a dropped ball is correct when the fouls happen at the same instant. We are going through the data base and adding current Law and policy as applicable. You'll note that the 16000 odd questions will require some work from the volunteers working here. Bear with us.