Referees and leagues - Indoor Soccer- Sliding and Slide Tackle

The rule states:

“slide tackles or attempts to slide tackle (Sliding without attempt to contact the opposing player shall not be considered a slide tackle). (Goalkeepers are allowed to slide within their area in an attempt to play the ball as long as it is not done in a dangerous or reckless manner)”

Directions:

-          Goalkeepers may slide to save the ball if not done in a reckless manner.

-          Falling down is not sliding.

-          Players may go down to play the ball. They may slide to keep the ball in play.

-          Players may not slide, go down (play with any part other than the feet on the ground) to tackle or dispossess the opponent of the ball. Play in this fashion will be termed – slide tackling.

-          A slide tackle is a foul.

-          Should a slide tackle be carried out and contact made with the opponent, a caution for unsporting behaviour shall be issued.

-          Serious foul play may still be the determination should that be the observation of the referee.

Exhibition Park – Halifax

 This facility has boards and is therefore different from our ‘Soccer only’ turf fields. Safe play is difficult to manage.

At present – Referee are not to permit sliding at this facility. A player is to remain on their feet to play the ball.

Falling is not sliding – the referee must make decisions in this regard.

The rule relating to sliding at Exhibition Park is under review with the league and referees will be informed should changes, to come more into line with the above statements, be made.

Carman King

SNS Referee Development Officer