Challenging in the air

[Viridis1886]

Just after some tips from the assembled masses on what you look for in a legal (or illegal) challenge in the air.

To set the scene, imagine a goal kick and the ball dropping from high onto the halfway line. The defender is well set and jumps to head. The ball is contested by the opposition as they run and jump to challenge, also in the air.

What are you looking at to decide that it is a fair challenge?

What would make you think it was unfair?

 

[RefereeX]

I'm looking to see if both players are actually intent on winning the header as opposed to making the other lose the header (if that makes sense) and also I'm far less likely to give a foul if a player doesn't still attempt to challenge i.e. player A receives a small push a second or 2 before the ball arrives but then proceeds to give up on challenging because of said push, I'm less likely to reward him (albeit still depending on the severity of that push)

 

[Viridis1886]

I'm looking to see if both players are actually intent on winning the header as opposed to making the other lose the header

This was what I was hoping to hear. I am looking to see if my current approach is in line.

For me I want to see that the player is focusing on winning the ball as opposed to disrupting the opposition. Are they looking at the ball as they go in, or looking at the player and jumping into them.

Is it okay for them to challenge the player as opposed to trying to win the ball. When on the ground we tend to accept that this is okay to a certain extent.

 

[RefereeX]

Important to remember though that these aerial challenges that are borderline are an easy way for us to control the temperature of the game. If it's sky high then you can blow and give everything and piss everyone off until they come in line. If people are getting on with it, you're less likely to need to get involved.

 

[Pwizardo]

Important to remember though that these aerial challenges that are borderline are an easy way for us to control the temperature of the game. If it's sky high then you can blow and give everything and piss everyone off until they come in line. If people are getting on with it, you're less likely to need to get involved.

I knew that I was doing something right on Saturday...