Above the Shoulder

U.S. Soccer Federation Referee ProgramGrade 7 Referee CourseAmateur Adult Training

Importanceo Player safety is keyo Increased frequencyoSpeedoPhysicalityoSeverity

Indicatorso FIREoFrustrationo IntimidationoRetaliationoEstablishing position

Tool vs. Weapon

Toolo Used for balanceo Normal body movemento Not moved toward opponento In position before contact is madeo Jumping with arm making contact oJumps upoNot jumping up and into opponent

o Foul and misconduct

Weapono Used with excessive forceo Swung toward an opponento Makes contact with soft surfaceoFace or neck

o Jumping with arm making contactoJumps up and into opponent

o Leads with the armo Red card

Evaluationo Did the player jump up and into the

opponent?o Did the player lead with the arm?o Did the player move the arm toward the

opponent?o Was the safety of the opponent endangered?o What was the result of the contact?o Was excessive force used?

Focuso Contact during the run of playoAttacker relieving pressureoDefender impeding attackeroAerialoRestarts and free kicks

o Off the balloMass confrontationoVC

Aerial Challengeso Increased frequencyoClearancesoLong ballsoFree kicksoRestarts

o PlayersoSpeedoStrength

Review Questiono What type of challenges most frequently

involve contact above the shoulder?

o Aerialo Tacticalo Excessive forceo Tackles from behind

Review Questiono Is the arm considered being used as a

weapon if a player jumps up and into an opponent or leads with an extended arm?

o Yeso No

Review Questiono Does using the arm as a tool mean that the

player should always receive a yellow card?

o Yeso No

Review Questiono Does using the arm as a weapon mean that

the player should always be issued a red card?

o Yeso No