• A referee must make the decision as to whether a player behaves in a manner considered to be careless, reckless or using excessive force by kicking or attempting to kick an opponent, tripping, jumping, charging or tackling an opponent.
   
• If a player slides, it’s not a foul in and of itself.
   
• Conversely, just because the player "got all ball" doesn't mean there isn't reason to blow the whistle.
   
• Having the cleats up or going through the back should be called.
   
• This is not an easy call for a young referee to make, especially at the 9-12 age level.

Coaches have some obligation here to not be overtly encouraging such play, remove players who consistently present danger to opposing players and not freak out if the referee does have the wherewithal to actually make the call.

• Sliding is not a foul in and of itself but players risk getting called for a foul and it's better that coaches are teaching better/proper defending.
   
• Additionally, coaches need to be proactive about the risks their own players present to others in the game.
   
• It's counterproductive to make the game unnecessarily dangerous for the players or difficult for the referees.