NZLvGER VR for intentionally played off back line

The initial decision on this play was a 23m restart, bringing a video referral from the attacking team for a penalty corner for intentionally playing the ball off the back line.

The criterion to apply is more than just “could the player have done anything else” (“the ball was only going one way! 🙄). You will consider elements such as:

• the direction the defender is pointing with their feet, hips, shoulders
• the direction they're looking
• the pace applied to the ball
• the amount of body control they have
• whether they cleanly play the ball
• what vision to they have (presence of other players)
• how much pressure are they under
• how far are they away from the backline
• what angle does the ball cross the line at
• and more

Given the amount of body control this defender had, the clean pace they imparted on the ball, and the direction they are facing, the best decision is a penalty corner.