Refereeing Tips from Amir: Identifying Fouls

Direct Free Kicks - in Law 12 there are seven physical fouls when executed against an opponent, the referee will penalized with a direct free kick (DFK):
- kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
- trips or attempts to trip an opponent
- jumps at an opponent
- charges an opponent
- strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
- pushes an opponent
- tackles an opponent

A referee actually needs only to identify whether the foul was physical in nature and was it directed to an opponent. If the manner it was executed was careless, it is only penalised with a DFK. If it was reckless - with no attention to the opponent safety, a yellow card is also given to the offender, and if excessive force or aggresion was involved, the culprit shall be sent off.

The other three offences are also penalised with a DFK, ie., holds an opponent, spits at an opponent or handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area). Holding an opponent or handling the ball deserve only a DFK but if it prevents a good attack, it is unsporting behavior, a yellow card is issued, and if it denies a goal scoring chance (GSC) a red card should be given. GSC also occur with the other fouls above. Spitting is violent conduct, either to an opponent, team-mate or anybody else on the field of play, a red card should be issued.
In conclusion, all physical fouls directed towards an opponent is penalised with a DFK and if recklessness is involved, a yellow card is issued, and if serious foul play with excessive force or violent conduct, a red card is correct.