I don't get the whole excessive force thing. If its a clean tackle and all ball then whats the problem? Is that actually in the rule book or some wuss rule that 8th grade sideline parents have dreamed up? Cant actually recall the last time I've seen 'excessive force' blown up by a ref, if ever.
More likely to see excessive force in adult games than junior.
Careless or reckless yes,
Edit: Yes it is in the Laws of the Game :)