Comprehensive Guide to Foul Recognition in U.S. Soccer: Grade 7 Referee Course

1. Foul Recognition U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Grade 7 Referee Course Amateur Adult Training

2. Environment • Players • Experienced • Physical • Foul recognition • Game control • Player expectations and respect • Player management

3. Fouls • Requirements • Committed by a player • On the field of play • While the ball is in play • Against an opponent

4. Factors • Positioning • Don’t chase the ball • Be aware of passing lanes • Read the game • Game flow • Team tactics • Area of focus • Body areas making contact

5. Factors • Challenging for the ball • Slide tackles • Gain or deny position • Aerial challenges • Set pieces • Tactical • Breaking up promising attack • Denying advantage

6. Factors • Frustration • Embarrassed • Retaliation • Vigilante justice • Intimidation • Physical and mental • Attempt to injure • Tactical/Denying a goal scoring opportunity

7. Evaluation • Speed and distance • Nature of the contact • Challenging for the ball • Temperature of the game

8. Speed • Effects of increased Speed • More forceful challenge • Less control over body and actions • Reckless • Excessive force

9. Contact • Nature of the contact • Location • What was the nature of the challenge? • Careless • Reckless • Excessive force

10. Ball • Challenging for the ball • Timing • Was the ball within playing distance? • Direction of the tackle • Front • Side • Behind

11. Temperature • Temperature of the match • Game flow • Game control • What has been allowed up to this point? • Has this player committed multiple offenses during the game? • Does the game need a stoppage or misconduct to maintain control?

12. Recognition • Be particularly aware of fouls • Run of play • Set pieces and restarts • Near penalty area

13. Run of Play • Trifling • Long balls • Tactical • Counterattacks • Breakaways

14. Set Pieces • Referee’s management skills tested • Common offenses • Holding • Pushing • Encroachment • Goalkeeper contact • Deal with problems before the kick • Information from assistant referees

15. Near Penalty Area • Desperate tackles vs. Well executed challenges • Contact with the ball and player • Simulation

16. Review Question • When evaluating fouls, what factors should the referee consider? • Temperature of the match • Speed and distance of the player • Nature of the contact made • All of the above

17. Review Question • Are trifling fouls those that are simple in nature and don’t have a significant impact on the game? • Yes • No

18. Review Question • What are the requirements for a foul? • The action is committed by a player • The action if committed on the field of play • The action is committed while the ball is in play • All of the above

19. Review Question • What are fouls that break up promising attackers referred to as? • Trifling • Tactical • Ticktack • All of the above

20. Review Question • Is proper positioning important for accurate foul recognition? • Yes • No

21. Review Question • What are some of the reasons why amateur adult players commit fouls? • Frustration • Intimidation • Retaliation • All of the above