Fair Shoulder Charge

A shoulder charge is legal when it is made shoulder-to-shoulder, the player is challenging for the ball, and no excessive force is used. It does not require the ball to be within playing distance.

The full rule

The shoulder charge is one of the oldest and most legitimate physical contacts in football. To be legal it must be shoulder to shoulder — not elbow to body, not hip to body. The player must be in a position to challenge for the ball though the ball does not need to be immediately adjacent. Excessive force turns a fair charge into a foul. A charge from behind is always a foul. A charge that uses the elbow is a foul. The fair shoulder charge is frequently confused with pushing — the difference is that a charge uses the shoulder in a running motion while a push uses the hands or arms to shove an opponent.

Key points

✓Must be shoulder to shoulder — not elbow, hip or body
✓Player must be in a position to challenge for the ball
✓Ball does not need to be in immediate playing distance
✓Excessive force turns a fair charge into a foul
✓Charging from behind is always a foul
✓Using elbow or arm in the charge is a foul
✓A fair charge from the side is legal even if the opponent falls

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Shoulder charge sends opponent to ground

No foul

Two players run for the ball and one uses their shoulder to challenge the other. The opponent falls but the challenge was shoulder to shoulder.

Correct call: No foul. A fair shoulder charge is legal even if the opponent falls. The fall does not make it a foul.

Common mistake: Giving a foul because the player fell. Referees must assess the nature of the contact, not the outcome.

Scenario 2

Player uses elbow in a shoulder challenge

Foul

A player attempts a shoulder charge but leads with their elbow, making contact with the opponent's ribs.

Correct call: Direct free kick. Using the elbow in a charge makes it illegal regardless of intent. If the force was reckless or excessive, a card should be shown.

Common mistake: Allowing it because the player appeared to be going for a shoulder charge. The point of contact — elbow to ribs — is what makes it a foul.