DASL Clarification to the

Rule Prohibiting Slide Tackles

DASL Exceptions to the FIFA Laws of the Game, Law 12, state that

“Slide tackling is prohibited and must be penalized as playing in a dangerous manner by awarding an indirect free kick to the opposing team…”

In an effort to clarify the meaning of this rule, and thereby unify the application and understanding of the prohibition against slide tackling, the following is offered:

“Tackling” means to challenge an opponent for possession of the ball. Therefore, to penalize for a slide tackle, the referee must determine that a player who is the victim of an illegal slide tackle is in possession of the ball (the ball within playing distance).

§ Sliding to gain possession of the ball is permitted if no opponent is within playing distance of the ball.

§ Playing the ball while lying on the ground is permitted if no opponent is within playing distance of the ball.

§ Sliding to kick or play the ball for any purpose is permitted if no opponent is within playing distance of the ball.

Goalkeepers within their own penalty area may execute slide tackles, both head first and feet first, provided that it is not done dangerously or recklessly per normal FIFA Laws of the Game. Goalkeepers who travel outside their own penalty area become subject to the same prohibitions against slide tackling as field players.

The differentiation between an illegal slide tackle and an inadvertent slip and fall following a legal tackle shall be made by the referee, using his or her judgment. A slide tackle may be accidental and still deemed illegal by the referee.