Question Number: 17865

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/11/2007

RE: AYSO Under 15

Roger of Victorville, CA usa asks...

While in the penalty aera an atacker bumps into a defender, the defender (with no intent and with no recklessness) steps on a atackers foot and knocks him over. none of the players had the ball but was within 6 feet. please he me ease my mind..

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

It's always hard to parse through things given only a verbal description. It helps so much if you were there to see it. But that's what we're here for, to try to make some decision based on what we read.

First you decide if the bump was a foul. Most likely not, although it could be an unfair charge. If that was the foul, the decision tree stops here, and you have a free kick outbound.

If the bump was not a foul and if the defender stepped on the attacker's foot as a result of being bumped, then there is likely no foul here.

If the defender was not affected by the bump, and then stepped on the opponent's foot anyway, we likely have a foul. He did not show enough care to keep from stepping on the opponent, so call it a trip performed in a careless manner. A simple foul, resulting in a PK, but probably with no misconduct.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Roger, I'm not sure what would put your mind at ease? From your description, it sounds like there was the normal jostling, etc. going on in the PA, two players get tangled up and one falls down. No call is needed, but as Ref Voshol notes, it could happen. I'm assuming from the description we have 3 players involved: Attacker 1, Attacker 2 and Defender. Attacker #1 bumps into Defender, who then inadvertently steps on Attacker #2's foot as a result of balance issues from the bump, and #2 falls down. That's a big nothing. If you are convinced the Defender a) wasnt' doing the stepping on deliberately and b) that the bump from A#1 was not on purpose either, I'd say let play continue, absent any other details which would change the scenario.

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

See Question: 17917