Referees - Making The Game Fun, Fair And Safe
Slide Tackling
Tackling Defined
Unlike in American football, tackling in soccer does not mean to drag an opponent to the ground. Tackling simply means to take the ball away from an opponent. This can occur while standing, walking, running, jumping, or sliding.
Slide Tackling
Slide Tackling is taking a ball from an opponent while sliding on the ground, taking control of the ball by contacting the ball before contacting the opponent. Proper slide tackling is legal per the Laws of the Game as defined by FIFA, the governing body for international soccer.
Penalizing Slide Tackles
If the tackle results in contact normally associated with a direct free kick offense, the referee should award a direct free kick from the point where the offense occurred. If there was no otherwise illegal conduct, an indirect free kick should be awarded for dangerous play. As always, should a tackle endanger the safety of an opponent, such as a slide tackle from behind, this must be sanctioned as serious foul play (a red card offense for older players).
Other Tackles And How To Determine If An Offense Has Been Committed
When players are contesting a ball, not all contact is illegal. Challenging an opponent for the ball with a brief “staccato” contact can be considered a legal charge. If contact is determined to be careless, reckless, or done with excessive force, the opponent should be awarded a direct free kick from the point where the offense occurred.
Resources for Referees
Online Referee Training
The following online course require your AYSO ID#. To get this number, send an email (through our contact page) to our CVPA
Referee Topics
- Pre-Game Checklist
- Whistle Use
- Throw-In
- Handling
- Slide Tackling
- Offside
- When Fouls Continue
- Problems Outside the Touchline
AYSO Coach Manuals
