Question Number: 16786

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/19/2007

RE: Select Under 13

Bill Turk of Grand Blanc, MI USA asks...

Team "A" is attacking, Team "B" is defending. Player "A" from Team "A" kicks the ball ahead of himself, so the ball is now at least 10-15 feet in front of him and out of his control, and the ball enters the penalty box area. As the ball roles forward, player "B" from team "B" comes over to pursue the ball. Player "A" and player "B" arrive at the ball at the same time. Both hit very hard into each other and fall down. The result was a penalty kick for Team "A" for a charging penalty against Team "B", is this a correct call? If so, why? If not, why?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

It's the correct call because the referee on hand decided that B committed a foul. Another observer, from a different angle and perspective, may have another opinion - but it is the referee's opinion that matters. We here who never saw the incident from any perspective cannot decide that the referee was wrong.

Charging is one of the 10 direct free kick fouls listed in Law 12. When committed in the penalty area, the restart is a penalty kick.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Right! The referee saw it, he had an opinion, that opinion was penalty, done deal. Period.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The referee determined that B fouled A and that he committed a direct free kick offense inside his own penalty area. Therefore a penalty kick is the proper restart.

Referee's judgment is key to this play.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The referee at the field saw this and awarded a penalty kick. It's his judgement and his decision is final.