Diving, officially called simulation in the Laws of the Game, is when a player fakes being fouled or exaggerates contact to trick the referee into awarding a free kick, a penalty or a card against an opponent. It is unsporting behaviour, and a player who is judged to have dived is shown a yellow card. Video Assistant Referees (VAR) can review and overturn penalties that were awarded because of simulation, and some leagues and associations also punish clear dives retrospectively with suspensions or fines. Players dive to gain an advantage, waste time or get opponents sent off, but it damages the game’s reputation and is widely criticised.
This article explains what counts as diving, how referees judge it, the punishments, the role of VAR, why players do it, the difference between a dive and genuine contact, and common misunderstandings.
What counts as simulation
| Behaviour | Simulation? |
|---|---|
| Falling when there is no contact at all | Yes |
| Exaggerating minor contact to win a foul or card | Yes |
| Feigning injury to get an opponent punished | Yes |
| Going down after a genuine foul that causes a loss of balance | No |
| Anticipating a tackle and jumping to avoid injury | Usually no, though referees judge each case |
| Rolling around after a real foul to draw attention | Not simulation if the foul happened, but can be seen as unsporting |
How referees judge a dive
Referees look at several clues: whether there was contact, whether the contact could cause the reaction seen, the player’s body movement before contact, and whether the fall looks natural. A player who starts to go down before contact, throws their arms up or falls in an unnatural way may be judged to have dived. Referees must make these decisions in real time, which is why mistakes happen in both directions.
Punishments for diving
- In the match: the player is cautioned with a yellow card for unsporting behaviour, and play restarts with an indirect free kick to the opponents if play was stopped for the offence.
- Second yellow: a player already on a yellow who dives is sent off.
- Retrospective action: some associations and leagues review footage after matches and can suspend or fine players for successful deception of the referee.
The role of VAR
VAR can review penalty decisions. If a penalty was awarded because a player dived, VAR can recommend the referee review the incident and cancel the penalty. In that case, the referee can then caution the player for simulation. VAR generally does not review simulation outside of match-changing situations such as goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.
For the exact wording, refer to the IFAB Laws of the Game, especially Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct), and the VAR protocol. Competitions may have their own disciplinary procedures for retrospective action.
Why players dive
- To win penalties or free kicks in dangerous areas.
- To get opponents booked or sent off.
- To slow the game down or waste time.
- To relieve pressure when their team is being attacked.
- Because of a culture in some leagues or teams where it is seen as clever gamesmanship.
Why diving is harmful
Diving deceives officials, can lead to unfair results, and makes it harder for referees to identify genuine fouls, which puts players at greater risk. It also sets a poor example for young players and damages trust between players, officials and fans. Many coaches and associations run fair play campaigns to discourage it.
How to avoid being accused of diving
- Stay on your feet when possible and keep playing through minor contact.
- Avoid dramatic reactions such as throwing arms up or rolling excessively.
- Only go down when contact genuinely knocks you off balance.
- Build a reputation for honest play with referees.
Common misunderstandings
- Any fall without a foul is a dive: players can lose balance naturally, and referees must judge intent.
- Contact always means a foul: minor, incidental contact is not always a foul.
- VAR checks every dive: VAR only intervenes in specific match-changing situations.
Simulation vs a genuine foul
The line between a dive and a real foul is not always obvious, which is why the topic causes so many arguments. Referees look for a few recurring signs.
| Sign | Suggests simulation | Suggests a genuine foul |
|---|---|---|
| Contact | No contact, or contact after the player has started to fall | Clear contact that affects the player’s movement or balance |
| Timing of the fall | Player goes down before or without contact | Fall follows naturally from the contact |
| Reaction | Exaggerated rolling or holding a body part that was not touched | Reaction matches the force and location of the contact |
| Movement | Player leaves a leg out or steers into the defender | Player is running naturally toward the ball or goal |
| Ball | Player has lost control of the ball or it has gone | Player had a real chance to play the ball |
Retrospective action for diving
Some football associations can punish simulation after the match using video evidence. In England, The FA introduced a process in 2017 allowing retrospective suspensions when a player is judged to have deceived a match official by simulation and gained an advantage, such as a penalty or a red card for an opponent. Other associations have similar procedures. These rules vary between competitions and change over time, so check the disciplinary regulations of the league in question.
Teaching young players about simulation
- Explain the rule clearly: faking a foul is a yellow-card offence and is against the spirit of the game.
- Reward players who stay on their feet and keep playing through contact where it is safe to do so.
- Teach strength and balance work so players can ride challenges.
- Encourage players to report genuine fouls honestly and let the referee decide.
- Model good behaviour as a coach by not appealing for fouls that did not happen.
The rule on simulation is set out in Law 12 of the IFAB Laws of the Game. Check the current Laws for the official wording.
Diving and player safety
Discussions about diving should not ignore injuries. Players sometimes go down because a challenge really does hurt or because they are protecting themselves from a dangerous tackle. Referees are trained to stop play for a serious injury, particularly a head injury, whatever the circumstances. The aim of the simulation rule is to punish deliberate deception, not to discourage players from staying down when they genuinely need medical attention.
Frequently asked questions
What is the punishment for diving in soccer?
A yellow card for unsporting behaviour. Some competitions also impose suspensions or fines after reviewing footage.
Can VAR overturn a penalty for a dive?
Yes. VAR can recommend a review, and if the referee agrees the player dived, the penalty is cancelled and the player can be cautioned.
Is going down after contact always diving?
No. If contact genuinely causes a loss of balance, going down is not simulation.
