Question Number: 25897

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/16/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Elizabeth of san clemente, ca usa asks...

Attacker shoots the ball and it flies into the stands, defender is late with the block and the attacker trips over the leg of the defender after shooting. What does the referee do?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

By your description it sounds like it's very clear that the ball is out of play before the late tackle occurs.

Because of this, a free kick or penalty kick cannot be awarded, as a foul can only occur while the ball is in play.

The defender can still be dealt with, however - if the referee feels the offence is serious enough then the defender can be cautioned, or even sent off it it's particularly bad. Or the referee could simply choose to warn the player - it depends on the incident.

If it looks like the ball was still in at the time of the late challenge then the referee could award a direct free kick to the attack (or penalty kick if it's in the penalty area), as well as a card if necessary.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Elizabeth
It is one of those 'Have to be there' moments to make a call.
If the ball is out of play when the contact happens it cannot be a foul. The referee though can still take disciplinary action.
If the momentum of the attacking player carries him into an opponent who has made a block and the attacker simply trips over the opponent then the referee can deem that accidental and simply a coming together of two players in open play which happens all the time.
If the defending player recklessly tackles an opponent just as the opponents gets the shot / pass away and he makes a heavy late contact then that is a free kick and a caution. If excessive force was used then the player is dismissed for serious foul play.

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

See Question: 25913