I would like to draw your attention to the new wording contained in Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct – Direct Free Kick which will have an impact on your delivery of the basic course.
Direct Free Kick
A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following SEVEN offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:
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 direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following THREE offences:
Holds an opponent
Spits at an opponent
Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
Having spoken to Neale Barry today, the reason why the change was made was the old saying “I played the ball ref” is often used in defence by players, coaches etc. Tackles an Opponent can be made carelessly, recklessly or using excessive force irrespective of whether the player plays the ball or not.
Janie Frampton | Regional Referees Manager - South and The Armed Forces