Ray Cormier Yorktown, N.Y. I just read your answer to the daily question on the Web site [Feb. 2, about a player deserving a caution for a foul on a teammate]. I think there was a technicality you missed. (I should explain that I am a State Grade 6 Ref and AYSO advanced instructor). Technically, you can only foul an opponent — certainly with penal fouls, since this is part of the definition of a penal foul in Law XII. So, while a player can be cautioned or sent off for misconduct against a teammate, it would not actually be a foul. This is important because the restart would have to be an indirect free kick — not a direct kick or penalty kick. Mike Woitalla: Thank you, Ray. Indeed, the restart is important. This would mean that a defender, who is tired of being berated by a loud-mouthed goalkeeper, could trip his tormentor without fear of a penalty kick. Another reader, Glenn Auve of Arlington, Va., also pointed out that each description of a foul in the rule book includes the word “opponent.” Glenn put it this way: “I’m sure every referee howled when reading Mike Woitalla’s answer to the question of misconduct directed at a teammate. It is impossible to foul a teammate. A foul can only occur when committed against an opponent (or the opposing team in the case of deliberately handling the ball). “As you point out, a player can be guilty of misconduct directed toward any other person including teammates, officials, coaches, spectators, etc.” I hope to be notified, with a detailed report, by anyone who ever witnesses a referee reacting to teammate-on-teammate abuse The most prevalent example, and I’ve never seen it punished, occurs when goalkeepers scold, shake fingers at and swear at their teammates after giving up a goal. (Some keepers even do it after saves!) This should, I would say, be punished by a yellow card, because it is certainly “unsporting.” (If you have a question for a Soccer America Magazine editor, click “Q&A with SA Editors” in the left column of the home page under “Interactive.”)