Question Number: 30162

League Specific 3/1/2016

RE: All Under 11

Jeff of Boston, Ma USA asks...

In an email dated 2/12/16, the US Soccer Referee Program gave its directive concerning the new concussion initiative. The email states that if a player U11 and under deliberately heads the ball, the other team should be awarded and IDFK. My question is if a defender standing on or near the goal line heads the ball to prevent it from going in the goal, should DOGSO be considered and the player sent off? As I understand DOGSO, it is applied when a player commits any act punishable by a DFK or IDFK that denies a goal scoring opportunity. From my understanding of the LOTG, a red card and send off is the proper thing to do. However, this seems harsh punishment for a good defensive play. On the other hand, it also doesn't seem fair to the other team if the player is not sent off.
Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The AYSO update specifically said that this infraction could not be misconduct of any kind.

Not so for the update from US Soccer. Now we could argue about whether this is an 'infraction' or not, since it's not in Law 12. I don't think there is a clear interpretation yet - perhaps you should ask your SYRA what they want in your state.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jeff,
no one can doubt the compassionate reasoning of protecting out youth from unsafe actions. The unintended consequences of implementing a heading ban at the youth level has created some readjustment to the literal LOTG interpretations.

Some ideas? Lower the goals to 3 feet high. Do not use keepers or ban keepers from punting the ball. When we play indoors we often use a heavier ball and score under a bench to keep the ball down.

Personally I think the idea of sending off is preposterous for such an action given kids will be desperately trying not to eat a face full of ball while trying to chest or control it or raise their hands so the ball does not hit the head. Sigh Cards for wee ones is not in the best interests save it for 11 aside full LOTG application. The ROC will just have to monitor and adjust to best serve the interests of the kids.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jeff
We know from experience that one change in laws can and does have an effect on another. My take on this is that this law can be over complicated.
As a referee I would find reasons not to dismiss a player for this citing that the ball was going wide or that there was no clear goal scoring opportunity.