Law 12 - Fouls - February 21st 2012

Instructed by Isaac Raymond, FIFA Futuro 111 and National Instructor

    Law 12 Fouls

The turnout for this session was great. The instructor also responded with an equally great program which engaged those present. Presentation involved Videos, practical demonstrations and questions and answers on fouls

The Instructor explained in depth the basic requirement for a foul

The following conditions must be met before an offence can be considered a foul, as explained by the instructor

A)      It must be committed by a player

B)      It must occur on the field of play

C)      It must occur while the ball is in play

There are ten offences committed by players that are considered fouls:  Seven of these require the referee has to consider, how these fouls were committed. Was it Careless – Reckless or Excessive Force the other three, the referee is concerned with whether or not they actually occurred

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following seven (7) offences in a manner considered by the referee to be, careless – reckless or using excessive force:

“Careless” means that the player has shown a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or that he acted without precaution” No further disciplinary sanction is needed if a foul is judged to be careless

“Reckless” means that the player has acted with complete disregard to the danger to or consequences for his opponent. A player who plays in a reckless manner must be cautioned

“Using Excessive Force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent. A player who uses excessive force must be sent off

a)      Kicks or attempt to kick an opponent

b)      Trips or attempt to trip an opponent

c)       Jumps at an opponent

d)      Charges an opponent

e)      Strikes or attempt to strike and opponent

f)       Pushes an opponent

g)      Tackles an opponent

A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following three offences

a)      Holds an opponent

        b)      Spits at an opponent

c)       Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goal keeper within his  own penalty area)

A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above ten offences is committed by a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play

All ten of these offences were discussed in detail and examples given

The act of charging is a challenge for space using physical contact within playing distance of the ball without using arms or elbows. It is an offence to charge an opponent in a careless or reckless manner or using excess force

The Instructor gave excellent practical demonstrations involving class participation and video clips on the following subjects

Holding:

Holding is not only done by hand, it can be done by any part of the body as shown in video and practical demonstrations

Charging:

Fair and unfair charging (when is a fair charge considered to be an unfair charge) Excellent demonstration by the instructor

Shielding the ball:

What is fair or unfair (can you use your hands when shielding the ball? Yes - No) there should be no doubt after the instructor’s practical demonstration as to what your answer should be