In a recent U-14 boys rec match (USYSA) there was a rather interesting call. The attacker had a fast break down the right side, as the attacker crossed the 18 the defender that was trailing tackled the attacker from behind. What should have been the call? (When I get a few responses I will let you in on what the center ref called.)
I'm assuming that by tackle you mean in the soccer sense - not the American football sense. In the latter, it's easily a PK and redcard. If the ref saw it as you did, it should be a red card, for DOGSO, and a PK. If the ref saw something else, you could easily get a broad range of calls - including: nothing, the defender got the ball, and the attacker tripped over him or offside, the attacker was offside when the ball was chipped over the defender.
Left one detail out: the center was to the right and even with the play and had an unobstructed view, not sure about the ar's position.
Not enough information. Did the attacker score?Did the defender make contact with the attacker? Was an attempt made by the defender to play the ball? A tackle from behind where the defender makes contact with the attacker while making no attempt to play the ball is a red card and penalty kick. An attempted tackle from behind where no attempt is made to play the ball, but where no contact with the attacker is made should be a yellow card at least. Remember that this is U14. The same tackle with contact made with a legitimate effort to get the ball would probably be a yellow card and penalty kick at this level. An attempted tackle trying to get the ball, but without contact would probably be a "stern public talking to" but no card. With the referee on the right of a play down the right side and into the box, he may have had a clear view of the play but not of the players faces. The facial expression is the clearest way to judge intent at this age. Shouldn't be offside if the attacker is carrying the ball in and whether or not the defender gets the ball if he makes contact before doing so or if the tackle is from a dangerous position it is a foul. Fouled or not, if the attacker engages in simulation, then he is to be given a card.
Well....not as many responses as I would have wanted but thanks for those that did respond. The attacker was taken down from behind with no attempt at playing the ball, the referee was in position to make the call and did. (both coaches are experiences 08's) He blew the whistle once to acknowledge the foul, then immediatly pointed to the middle of the field and blew his whistle three times and called half time. No card no PK. His explanation to us (as we came unglued) was that when time is up it's up. We by the way are not filing a complaint/protest, the opposing coach is. The game ended in a 2-2 tie so the call definatly had an outcome on the game.
If the foul occured before time ended and deserved a PK, then time should be stopped to allow the PK. If time expired before the foul, the ref may have been confusing with his whistle, but the result was correct. There would have been more responses if you would have posted this in the referee forum.