Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide The Nine Major Fouls There are nine major offenses, or fouls, which result in either a direct free kick or a penalty kick, depending on the location of the offense. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent. Tripping an opponent; i.e., throwing or attempting to throw an opponent with the legs or by undercutting an opponent with the body. Jumping at an opponent in a way that endangers the player. Charging an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner. Charging an opponent from behind unless the latter is obstructing. Striking, attempting to strike or spitting at an opponent. Holding an opponent. Pushing an opponent. Directing or stopping the ball by using the hands or arms. This rule does not apply to the goalkeeper within the penalty area. Duration of the Game 5- or 7-a-side: 1. The duration of the game shall be two equal periods of fifteen minutes with a halftime interval of five minutes. The referee should be responsible for keeping the playing time. 2. If overtime is used to break a tie, two five-minute, “golden goal” overtime periods are used (first goal scored wins). If the game is still tied, penalty kicks will be used to break the tie. (See 11-a-side tie-break protocol.) 11-a-side: A minimum of two halves of 20 minutes each. Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004 21