Playing the Ball or the Legs

This familiar incident occurs regularly in all competitive matches. Referees, coaches, team officials and the spectators see it differently from various perspectives. Coaches, team officials and spectators would want the decisions made to their advantage or favour. Referees do not see it in any team favour and it is their duty to ensure that the laws are enforce fairly and correctly.

What makes the decisions correct?

The referee's judgment is influenced by these few factors: his positioning and visibility of the incident, the anticipation and expectation that the tackle would take place, his ability to visualise, to see in between the two players and the courage to decide. If the player plays the ball first and subsequently the opponent clashes or collides into his legs, the tackle will be interpreted as legitimate, clean and correct. If the player plays the opponent's legs first then the ball or the opponent's leg with the ball, the correct decision will be to penalise the tackle. This incident can be judged as kicking or tripping an opponent and is penalise by a direct free kick to the opponent or a penalty kick, if it occurs in the defending team's penalty area.

Not all fouls of this nature is sanction with a card (yellow or red). If the tackle is deem as careless (trying to play the ball, miss it and plays the opponent legs instead), no card will be shown. If the player who tackle, attempts it in a dangerous or reckless manner without taking into consideration the safety of his opponent, a yellow card is rightly shown for unsporting behavior. If the tackle denies a good attacking move, a yellow card is also shown for the same reason. Red or expulsion will be sanctioned, if the player uses excessive force and plays in a violent or aggressive manner. He is sent off for serious foul play or violent conduct.

As a guide to referee, move in to the correct position (able to see in between the players) quicker and if possible, earlier, be nearer to the incident (not too near as to blind your visibility), read the intent of the player running with the ball and the defending closing in (the defender may have a good or bad tackle and the attacker may be tackled or jumped to avoid or to deceive). The place of incident should not influence your decision but when play gets nearer to the penalty area, the greater is your attentiveness to play needed. When making the decision, have a clear mind, read the intent, interprets the seriousness and decide immediately the correct sanction (verbal, yellow or red) the moment the whistle gets into your mouth. This will not allow any other factors to interfere with your sanctions. Do it right, do it fair and do it in the best you can - this will gain you the respect of all.