Question Number: 23811

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/22/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canad asks...

Hi,

My question is about what constitutes a 'fair charge'. The interpretations and guidelines say: 'If the ball is within playing distance, the player may be fairly charged by an opponent'.

I had a player last week argue that he got the ball first. He probably did, but after touching the ball he ran into the attacker and knocked him over. He approached the attacker from about 10 o'clock, relative to the attacker, at a full run. He kicked the ball away and then tried to avoid contact, but ran into him fairly hard.

This video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw6MYwokbhU&feature=related
shows a conceptually similar play that I would call a charge, but even the offended player has argued.

I look forward to your insight.

Thanks for your great work and a great site.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

This sounds more like an unfair tackle than a charge, although in the end it doesn't really matter which you call it. Getting the ball first does not allow the defender to then plow through the attacker. Coming at a full run would indicate the defender planned to get the ball and/or the opponent. In this case, it was 'and'. Trying to avoid contact does not erase the offense of tackling him unfairly/carelessly/recklessly - take your pick.

Hope that helps.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Laning
A fair charge is where both players are trying to play the ball and one player uses his shoulder against the opponent shoulder to 'ease' him off the ball. Contact with the player's chest or back is not legal and that is not a fair charge. Nor would the use of strong force be allowed as that would be reckless. The referee is the sole judge of what force is appropriate.