Question Number: 24758

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/3/2011

RE: Rec Under 11

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24743

One instruction I hear many refs use for players is to 'Play the ball, not the player.' This makes sense to me.

However, This is a competitive sport, it's not solitaire card game, played alone.

At corner kicks, you often see Blue player 12 'covering' Red player 7.

At what point does 'covering someone' become impeding? I think it happens more at younger ages, when they are taught to cover an opponent. They aren't even worried about the ball, their focus is entirely on standing 'in front of' another player. As one player moves to the right two steps, another one in front of them also moves to the right two steps.

Is this considered impeding? Does it matter if the arms are down, or out to the side?

Thanks!
DougB

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The skill of the referee is determining what infringements can be ignored as trifling. The answer is simpler as the players increase in age and skill. The referee can observe what they will tolerate as a 'normal part of the game' and adjust calls. With younger players the referee may need to watch and stop play when fouls had an unfair effect on play. (The young players often will tolerate far more than will their coaches and parents. Ignore the calls to call every minor thing.)

The referee has more ways to influence the match than simply blowing a whistle. Talking to the players (both those who may not like getting touched and those pushing the limits) can influence positive and fair play.

On corner kicks, however, nothing works better than an early impeding call to stop this coached behavior. If the attacker remains still or moves to play the ball, it is lawful. But, don't let them "shadow dance" with the keeper. It is unfair and unlawful, and the coach is relying on the referee's failure to put a stop to it.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Doug
There is nothing wrong with marking an opponent. That is an integral part of the game. Where it becomes illegal is that the player shows no interest in playing the ball but only stopping the opponent getting to the ball to play it by impeding his progress. Impeding as you know is moving into the path of the opponent to obstruct, block, slow down or force a change of direction by an opponent when the ball is not within playing distance of either player. If there is contact it then becomes holding.
Also while marking an opponent closely it is also an integral part of the game that the player will challenge for the ball usually in the air from a corner kick or free kick.
What will be obvious to the referee is that the illegal action will be seen as no attempt to play or challenge for the ball but simply to 'play the player'. That should not be allowed to happen. The referee has to judge the difference. I pay particular interest to the focus of the marker and his 'eyes' for the ball. I see nothing wrong with a player adjusting his position based on the moves of an opponent and the ball. Where it is an offence is where the player through no interest in the ball, moves himself to prevent an opponent from getting to play the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Would just add if the referee is going to blow the whistle and intervene it cannot be for impeding the progress of an opponent or holding, both of which are fouls, until the ball has been put into play. If the whistle is blown before the ball has been put into play it must be for misconduct.