Question Number: 16868

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/24/2007

RE: Select Under 17

ed weller of Maple valley, WA USA asks...

What the difference between reckless foul and a hard challenge?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A hard challenge may be just that, a challenge that is physical but fair. It's not necessarily a foul.

Advice to Referees has these definitions:
[quote]
12.3 CARELESS, RECKLESS, INVOLVING EXCESSIVE FORCE
"Careless" indicates that the player has not exercised due caution in making a play.
"Reckless" means that the player has made unnatural movements designed to intimidate an opponent or to gain an unfair advantage.
"Involving excessive force" means that the player has far exceeded the use of force necessary to make a fair play for the ball and has placed the opponent in considerable danger of bodily harm.
[end quote]

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

A reckless "foul" is always a direct free kick and a caution to the player committing the reckless act. The hard challenge is just that and it is fair so long as the ball is touched first, there is no kicking, tripping, jumping, incorrect charging, striking, pushing or holding. Now all of these things lay to the opinion of the referee as he is the sole judge of what is fair play on his field.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

One gets a whistle, a caution and a direct free kick/penalty kick restart, the other gets the admiration of the fans and players for the vigorous but fair play which defines the beautiful game.