Question Number: 13336

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/13/2006

RE: Rec Under 12

Greg Burgess of Jarrettsville, MD USA asks...

I am coaching a under 12 girls rec team this year. On a direct free kick, while positioned in a wall, are the girls able to protect their chests with their arms crossed, without deliberate handling of the ball called?

Thanks

Greg Burgess
Jarrettsville, MD 21084

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Greg this is no problem until the referee blows his whistle when one of your girls moves her arm[s] forward to reduce the impact on her chest. Then the referee must give handling! Keep those arms still and against the chest and don't turn the body to let the ball hit the arm.

Regards,

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Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Greg,
all players of both sexes can protect themselves in a wall situation. As my colleague points out the arms must be stationary and in a realistic protective position. Deliberate movement of the arms into the ball or pushing the ball away should result in a deliberate handling call. Cheers



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Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yep it is ok. As my colleagues pointed out, it becomes handling when the hand motions to the ball. Make sure that position is established before the ball is kicked.

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Also tell them it's not ok for them to cross their arms over their chests when NOT in a wall in order to receive the ball in such manner. The crossing of the arms must be protective and while not in a wall must be reflexive and instinctive

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