Instructions

NISOA Official Decision

The first part of the clip involving the goal keeper challenge is considered Serious Foul Play.

Here are the considerations:

Serious Foul Play

Does the player show a lack of attention or consideration to the opponent?

The attacker, while challenging for the ball inside the penalty area shows an extreme lack or attention and consideration to the goal keeper while lunging into the air, without control of his body, studs exposed, straight leg and into the chest/neck of the goal keeper.

Does the player act without caution toward the opponent?

Yes, the nature of the attempt to play the ball could endanger the safety of the opponent. He completely ignores the danger and the consequences to his opponent. He does not have a clear chance to play the ball in a proper manner and puts the goalkeeper in a dangerous situation.

Has the player used excessive force against the opponent?

When considering the safety of the opponent, and while challenging for the ball with the use of your leg and studs exposed into the opponent’s chest/neck this is endangering the safety and considered excessive force.

The second part of the clip involving the defender using excessive force against his opponent is considered Violent Behavior.

Here are the considerations:

Violent Behavior

 Does the player show a lack of attention or consideration to the opponent?

Yes, the defender shows a lack of attention or consideration and completely ignores the danger or consequences to the opponent.

Does the player have a chance to play the ball in a proper manner?

The ball is on the opposite side of the field. This violent behavior occurs behind the referees back, has malice and brutality, and demonstrates a clearly malicious attitude when facing the opponent.

Does the player use his arm as a ‘tool’ or a ‘weapon'? 

The defender clearly uses his arm as a weapon. Summarizing all of these considerations together we can conclude that in the collegiate game, being an extension of the academic environment has no room for violent behavior such as this. The ball is not in playing distance, no clear opportunity to play the ball, and with the complete disregard to the opponent’s safety, we must send this defender off with a red card for Violent Behavior.

Serious Foul Play (SFP) vs. Violent Behavior (VB) vs. Fighting

SFP must be a direct free kick foul committed on the field of play, against an opponent, while competing for the ball.

In contrast, VB may be against anyone (opponent, teammate, official, spectator), involves not competing for the ball, may be on or off field of play, and the ball may be in or out of play.

A fight is defined as a deliberate strike or punch or an attempt to strike or punch another player, official, coach or bench personnel. These acts include, but are not limited to, kicking, head-butting, hair pulling or an open-handed strike if done deliberately and in a malicious manner.

Video Review

If Video Review is available, to determine whether or not Violent Behavior occurred, video review can be used.  However, Video Review is not applicable if Serious Foul Play has occurred.

Page; 32-33; RULE 5.7.3.4; A.R. 5.7.n

Video Review is applicable in determining whether a fight had occurred and identifying all participants.

Page 32-33 RULE 5.7.3.3; A.R. 5.7.k