Contact Above the Shoulders

Violent Conduct
Contact Above the Shoulders

Due to the work by officials to eliminate tackles from behind, players have been forced to find other methods to slow opponents and to send messages or intimidate. The use of the arm, forearm or hand to foul opponents has replaced the tackle from behind. In particular, the use of these items as a weapon in aerial challenges has increased. Due to the speed and athleticism that is a characteristic of the modern game, contact with the arm/forearm/elbow/hand (a hard, solid surface) with any part of the opponent’s body above the shoulders (soft tissue areas) makes the incident much more dangerous. The speed at which many of the aerial challenges are committed increases the force and severity of the contact and, therefore, often translates into excessive force which increases the possibility that the opponent’s safety is endangered. Should the referee believe that excessive force is used in a challenge, a red card would be mandated.

The 2009 Directive on “Contact Above the Shoulder” provides a framework for officials to use in deciphering challenges near the neck and facial region. Key is the referee’s ability to differentiate between the use of the arm/forearm/elbow/hand as a “tool” or as a “weapon.” The following table will assist match officials with interpreting whether the use of the arm/forearm/elbow/hand is fair, careless, reckless or excessive force.

TOOL	WEAPON
Arm used for balance Normal body movement No swing of the arm INTO the opponent Opponent into arm/elbow/hand – not arm/elbow/hand into opponent Arm/elbow was out before the challenge was initiated Not UP and IN – just UP	Excessive force used Safety of the player is endangered Hard surface (forearm/elbow/hand) contacting soft surface (facial and neck region) Arm/elbow UP and IN to opponent Arm/elbow/hand is swung toward opponent’s facial region UP and IN – arm used as a ”battering ram” Injury results

When the arm/forearm/elbow/hand is used as a “weapon” as described above, the referee is required to issue a red card. The more it is used as a “tool,” the referee should consider a foul and/or a yellow card. Officials should thoroughly review the 2009 Directive “Contact Above the Shoulder” referenced above.

VIDEO #1

• This “contact above the shoulder” situation had several warning signs that could have assisted the referee by increasing his urgency through anticipation and decreased reaction time. As the clip is viewed, consider the following: approximately two minutes earlier, there was a red card that resulted in game disrepute and further misconduct.
  
  Considering the circumstances and atmosphere of the game created a few minutes before (a first warning sign), the referee must anticipate increased tensions and be prepared to respond to volatile situations like the one in clip 4. A headbutt is precipitated by late and hard body contact after the ball is gone (a second warning sign). The player on the receiving end of the late and reckless foul then responds with a more intense response of his own, a headbutt.
  
  As soon as the referee recognizes the late body charge by the Houston player (orange shirt), the referee must move to the spot with urgency with the hope that the player that has been fouled “feels” the referee’s presence and “feels” that the referee will take prompt and correct disciplinary action. As you watch the referee’s response to the situation, notice his first few steps. These initial steps lack urgency and energy, thereby reducing his arrival time on the scene of the crime.
  
  Given the actions by the two players, the disciplinary decisions by the referee are correct. The Houston player (orange shirt) should be cautioned for his reckless challenge (unsporting behavior) while the Chicago player is correctly sent-off for violent conduct (head butt).