GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME©
"But, REFEREE! I Got The BALL!"

It is universally accepted that soccer is a contact sport. But it is not a collision sport.

In contesting for the ball a player may fairly charge an opponent. That's contact.

Referee's lack of uniformity in determining whether a charge is fair or unfair derives largely from the referee's inadequate knowledge of what actually constitutes a fair charge, It should be emphasized that a fair charge signifies the intent of a player to "shoulder" an opponent off the ball. It should not be confused with incidental contact, or contact that is far too excessive to "get the job done."

There are five indications of a fair charge. All five must be met in order for play to continue:

1. The charge must be shoulder to shoulder
2. The arms must be close to the body
3. Both players most have at least one toot on the ground
4. The ball must be in playing distance of both players (4 to 6 feet).
5. It must NOT be violent

Although most players, as well as referees, fully accept and recognize the first four, the fifth indicator is often disregarded in the interest of "hard play" or the "intensity" of the match. The great English philosopher, Edmund Burke, said, "The only thing we need in order for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing."

When a player charges an opponent in a violent manner, the rules say the offender, as well as the offense, must be penalized. It is not in the best interest of the game or its participants when a charge is not meant merely to un-balance the opponent, but to actually dismember him/her.

Yes, soccer is a contact sport. But brutal play must never be accepted as the "tempo" of the match. The safety of the players must be foremost in the mind of the referee. His/her quick recognition of fouls and decisive actions not only add to the enjoyment of the game, but also to the very justification of he/she being there.

© 1998 Francesco A. Scarsella, EMSOA Rules Interpreter