Hi Nancy --

Good point. But then, rules in games are pretty clear, are they not? You may not tackle someone by pulling on their face mask, for example. Or a hockey forward may not advance in front of the puck.

Unfortunately, intent and consequence both come into play in a lot of circumstances. Especially in soccer. There are damn few, if any, "automatic" fouls in soccer. A player could pick the ball up with both hands, but if the other team doesn't "lose advantage" the ref may signal to play on.

Of course, this is also a sport where much of the "action" takes place in the stands. Hmmmm, now there's an endorsement for judgement calls, huh?! <g>

Later... Karl