Dangerous Play

Playing in a Dangerous Manner

According to the LOTG, “Playing in a dangerous manner is any action that, while trying to play the ball, threatens injury to someone (including the player themself) and includes preventing a nearby opponent from playing the ball for fear of injury.”

• Walker Recreation youth soccer specifically regards playing the ball with the head (a so-called “header”) as dangerous play.
• Playing for the ball with the feet while any part of the body other than the feet has contact with the ground (e.g., sliding) is also dangerous play.

Penalty

The opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick for dangerous play. If contact is made with another player, this is considered “kicking” the opponent and is a direct free kick.