FOULS

Illegal Contact vs. Normal Contact

Soccer is a physical sport, and some contact is expected. A foul is called when contact is unsafe, unfair, or gives an improper advantage.

Legal contact includes:

• Shoulder-to-shoulder challenges for the ball

• Using arms for balance or shielding without pushing

• Accidental contact during normal play

Common fouls include:

• Tripping

• Pushing

• Holding

• Charging unfairly

• Kicking an opponent instead of the ball

• Dangerous play

Many fouls are unintentional. Referees judge safety and fairness, not intent.

What Happens When a Foul Is Called?

When a foul is called:

• Play stops

• The other team is awarded a free kick

• If the foul occurs in the penalty area, a penalty kick may be awarded

Handball

Handball is determined by contact with the arm, not just the hand. In soccer, the arm includes the hand, forearm, and the part of the arm up to the shoulder.

A handball may be called if a player intentionally handles the ball or if a player’s arm position makes their body unnaturally bigger. Intent is not required. Referees consider arm position and whether the player had time to react.

Advantage

If a foul occurs but the fouled team keeps possession and has a better opportunity by continuing play, the referee may allow play to continue. This is called advantage.

If the advantage does not develop, the referee may still stop play and award the free kick.