Question Number: 15728

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/8/2007

RE: Under 11

Fred Landau of Harrisburg, PA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15710

[Refers to 15710]

Many years ago when coaching U 10, Michael, one of my players, ran full speed into the back of an opponent several seconds after the player had passed the ball sending the player sprawling. ITOOTR Violent Conduct. Michael received a red card, we played a man down and Michael sat out the next match. When it happened, Michael was bewildered and not sure what he had done wrong. As his coach it was my duty to teach him.

I had the pleasure of coaching this young man for 5 or 6 more years. He developed into a strong player who eagerly challenged for any ball in his area. He never saw another Red Card. Life lesson learned.

Everyone, especially children, needs to learn to play by the rules. Adults need to stop making excuses.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

thanks fred, i agree

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Sounds like the referee balanced the needs of the player, the needs of the game, and the needs of education well.

What would have happened if the ref thought, "He's young, he didn't know what he was doing wrong." No send-off, no education. Next week Michael will again barrel through another player, and the ref again thinks, "He's young, let it go." When would Michael - and all the other players on both teams - learn the lesson?

Where I would give players some benefit of the doubt is where things are typically doubtful at their age/skill level. If a non-goalkeeper handles the ball to stop it from going into the net, and he's only inches from the goal line, there's not much wiggle room, he obviously denied a goal. But if he's out near the penalty mark or the top of the arc, maybe it's not quite so obvious anymore that the ball would have gone in except for his handling of it.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

'tis a far better thing to learn lessons whilst young than when all grown up. I wonder if the news these days would mention Paris Hilton if lessons were there for her to learn from...

Regards,