Question Number: 23664

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/13/2010

RE: indoor soccer Adult

likhi of houston, tx USA asks...

we had a goalie leave the penalty box to try to clear a ball. The ball was kicked past him, he then turned to chase the ball. The ball was about a yard inside the box when he finally grabbed it. The issue is that as he went down to the floor to grab the ball his feet were still planted outside the box. He fell to his knees as he grab it but does the placement of his feet warrant a free kick?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Indoor rules vary by location. In general the keeper's exemption to be able to handle the ball and to be able to slide are each based on the location of the ball (not the location of the keeper's feet). Moreover, it sounds as if the infringement (even if a local rule provides otherwise) was trifling.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

In soccer covered by the Laws of the Game, feet don't count. It's the position of the ball (inside or outside the penalty area) that makes it legal or not for the goalkeeper to handle it.

Since indoor facilities (at least in the US) are generally free to make up their own rules to suit their own needs, you'd have to check if local modifications were made.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

If the indoor facility is applying the FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game, then much like in outdoor soccer the position of the keeper's feet is irrelevant; it all comes down to the ball.

However, as my colleagues have pointed out the centre could also be playing by their own set of rules - your best bet would be to ask the referee when you're next there. If it's the same referee, then politely ask if he remembers the incident and if he can clarify his decision.