Question Number: 25967

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/12/2012

RE: Select High School

Gary Blanton of Lebanon, Ohio USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25682

Becareful in matches like this to not fall for a smaller player that takes 'dives' when challenged by a stronger player. While I agree with seeing mismatches I also look to see if the smaller quicker player could have used skill to avoid a legal physical tackle but instead went in believing I would call a foul because they are small. Some coaches do coach the smaller weaker players to fall when hit. If we try to equalize play by not allowing a stronger bigger player to use their strengths then IMO we should find ways to make the smaller faster players slow down. We are not their to make a game equal as some teams are built for speed others for physical strenght think Germany Womens team and China's Womens team. To many times IMO referees try to protect the smaller players instead of looking to see if the smaller player is also trying to play physical against the stronger players in order to gain advantage of getting a foul called against the stronger player. Becareful and look for this when refereeing.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Gary
Nothing new here and referees have to make a call based on what they see. Experienced referees know that in mismatches strength should not be seen as a reason to call a foul. It is what the player does illegally with his feet and arms such as pushing, tripping etc that is key
I was AR in a national League game at the weekend and one forward was particularly small who fell repeatedly in challenges. The CR did not award two penalty calls for challenges on that player.
Anyway if the referee makes the call then it should be accepted and the game restarts with a DFK.
As the Laws state ' In the opinion of the referee' no one else's.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Watch their feet and how they position their shoulders. No player should be penalized for being larger and/or stronger. If a smaller player wants to take on a larger player, he likely will end up on the turf but unless you see the stronger player do something illegal to cause this, you hold your whistle.