Question Number: 22888

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/2/2010

RE: rec Adult

Patrick of Louisville, KY United States asks...

When a field player is in their own box but commits a handball outside of the penalty box (by reaching his or her hand across the line) is this a PK or a kick outside of the box where the ball was handled?

Similarly, If a goalie stands in the box but holds the ball outside of the penalty area is that a handball? in that case is it a PK or a direct kick outside of the penalty area?

Thank you,
Patrick

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Where was the ball when the defender handled it? If all of the ball was outside the penalty area, the restart is a direct free kick. If any of the ball is on or over the penalty area when deliberately handled, the restart s a penalty kick. The location of the rest of the defender's body is irrelevant.

Usually, when a keeper is holding the ball at the edge of the penalty area, any infringment is doubtful or trifling, and should be ignored. Nevertheless, the rule is the same. It is the location of the ball, not the other body parts of the keeper, that decides whether the keeper is privileged to touch the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

All fouls are considered at the point of contact. For instance, if an attacker is half in the penalty area but his trailing leg - outside the penalty area - is carelessly kicked by a defender - the restart is a direct free kick outside the penalty area, not a penalty kick.

In regards to deliberately handling the ball, the offence occurs where the ball is - where the rest of the player is doesn't matter. This holds true for all players, including the keeper.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Patrick
The lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries. So the lines marking the penalty area are part of that area. If the ball is touching the line it is deemed to be inside the area and if a player deliberately handles the ball inside the PA that is an offence and a penalty kick is awarded.
The goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball inside the PA. When all of the ball is outside the PA the goalkeeper cannot touch the ball with his hands. If he does so a direct free kick is awarded.
Where a player is located is not relevant in a deliberate handling offence. It is where the offence was committed which is where the player touched the ball with his hand.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Patrick, the ONLY way a penalty kick may be awarded is if one of the defending team commits one of the 10 direct free kick fouls INSIDE the penalty area. In both of your examples the offense took place OUTSIDE the penalty area so right off we know there can't be a penalty kick. In your first example this would appear to be an example of a field player deliberately handling the ball and a direct free kick should be awarded at the spot of the handling. In your second example what happens will depend on the circumstances. If the keeper is taking a punt and carries the ball over the boundary line of the penalty area a short distance with his hands before releasing it and this does not influence play, most referees will deem this to be a trifling infraction and allow play to continue. If, for example, an opponent has played the ball and the keeper reaches over the penalty area line and grabs the ball, he will certainly be penalized for deliberately handling the ball at the least and a DFK would be awarded and, again, depending on the circumstances, a caution or even a send off could be a possibility.