Question Number: 29633

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/26/2015

RE: Rec Adult

Danielle of Portland, OR United States asks...

Why is stiff arming allowed? I play in a recreational, adult women's league and it happens to me quite a bit. Women have even groped me, putting their hand on my chest to hold me off from being able to take the ball. As a player I can tell you allowing it leads to aggressive and dirty games. When a woman does that to me, I checkmark a box in my mind that this player is just fine with getting physical. I think referees need to quash this immediately. This isn't American football or rugby, with blockers.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Danielle,
stiff arming can certainly be a pushing or striking type foul. Plus it can lead to a holding foul at times as well. It can be misconstrued or considered as fair when warding off a collision or a distance separation when in close proximity with other players or opponents especially when shielding the ball but YES, it certainly can be a foul if used as you described to knock a player down or out of the way. How good a referee might be, in their foul recognition sequences, is always a variable that players need to adapt to.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Danielle
Stiff arming an opponent is not allowed and it is an offence punished by a direct free kick. What happens is that the offence is missed due to the manner in which it happens. Generally it happens when the players are in close proximity and the player in possession is shielding the ball which is legal. The illegal action is where the player raises an arm to hold a player off. In the higher levels of the game reaching out to touch / hold off an opponent has somewhat become acceptable. Many opponent at this level expect the raised arm and allow for it.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Touching is not a foul; pushing, holding or striking is. It's up to the ref to determine when the contact changes from fair to foul.

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

See Question: 29638