“BUT I GOT THE BALL REF!” ASSESSING CHALLENGES NFF Referee Development Unit

ASSESSING CHALLENGES OBJECTIVES:  To promote player safety  To prevent injuries  To encourage fair, skilful play  To maximise enjoyment NFF Referee Development Unit

ASSESSING CHALLENGES CAUSES OF INJURY  Clash of heads  2 footed tackles/slide in  Tackles from the side  Vertical jump/use of arm (Elbow to head – slap in face) NFF Referee Development Unit

ASSESSING CHALLENGES TYPES OF PHYSICAL CONTACT :  Part of the game  Did the player unfairly hinder the movement of the opponent?  Was contact fair or illegal?  Who initiated the contact?  Did the arms/body restrict a chosen position on the pitch?

NFF Referee Development Unit ASSESSING CHALLENGES DETERMINING UNFAIR PHYSICAL CONTACT:  The element of intent or malice  The speed of the player’s action/intensity  The opportunity of playing the ball/position of the ball  Position of the tackler  Distance of the challenge  Where & what was the contact?  Direction of the feet & use of the studs  Safety/respect shown for opponent  Does the challenge involve EXCESSIVE FORCE?  Tactical situation

ASSESSING CHALLENGES CARELESS:  Lack of attention  Not exercising due care  An error of judgement NFF Referee Development Unit

ASSESSING CHALLENGES RECKLESS PLAY :  Gaining an unfair advantage  Clearly outside the norm for fair play  No regard for the opponent’s safety  Complete disregard for danger or consequences NFF Referee Development Unit

ASSESSING CHALLENGES EXCESSIVE FORCE:  Violence/ Brutality  Far exceeded the force necessary to make a fair play necessary to make a fair play  Wild two footed lunges  Studs driven forcefully over the ball onto an opponent’s leg ball onto an opponent’s leg  Endangered an opponent’s safety NFF Referees Development Unit

NFF REFEREE DEVELOPMENT UNIT ASSESSING CHALLENGES ROADBLOCK:  No offence  Free kick  Quiet word  Admonition  Caution  Send off