[QUOTE=wardtc]I've gone through the laws, and some of the many "Advice to refs..." but lets hear your thoughts. What do you look for in a play that makes it a foul in your mind.
1) Let's say it is a hard slide tackle from the front and the defender's momentum after contacting the ball knocks down the attacker (foul or no foul)
Did he get all ball or not? Did he go in "studs up?" Did he get him from the back?
2) Two players are chasing down a loose ball. As they approach the ball, one player shoulder bumps (charges) the other, nudges him off course, and collects the ball. (foul or no foul)? What if it's more than a nudge, but a hard shoulder to shoulder (playing the player)? What if the player who got nudged, realizes that he isn't going to get the ball, drops hoping to draw a foul? -What do you look for?
Was the shoulder to shoulder clean or was it clearly an attempt to bump him out of the way? Was it true shoulder to shoulder or did he extend the arm to clear the opponent out? As for the flop, flops aren't all that hard to spot. HS kids aren't usually that good at it. Warn him first. Card him after that.
3) Loose ball in the penalty area. Keeper and attacker both are going for the ball. As the keeper reaches out to touch the ball, the attacker kicks it and his follow through [foot] contacts the keeper. (foul or no foul) Does it make a difference if the keeper retains possession after getting kicked?
General rule of thumb, protect the keeper. But don't let the keeper get by with cheap stuff -- especially knees in an aggressive and not protective fashion. Don't equate incidental contact with a clear reckless charge.
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Hope this helps -- even if it isn't in red like Nevada's.
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