Question Number: 23821

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/23/2010

RE: ALL

JT of Seattle, Wash USA asks...

The LOTG states that a deliberate passback to the keeper that is picked up inside the 6 directs that the ball shall be placed on the six at the point it entered. It will be an indirect kick, for the other team. question.

Scenario 1- Player deliberately kicks the ball back to the keeper and the keeper clearly tries to kick the ball but is bounces on a hump in the ground and goes over his foot. He runs back and grabs the ball inside the 6.

Scenario 2- Player deliberately kicks the ball back to the keeper and tries to kick the ball ball it hits the top of his foot and bounces towards the goal and they pick it up inside the 6.

What is the call in scenarios 1 & 2?

Have received conflicting opinions as to how to handle. Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The USSF recently addressed a similar issue, noting: (1) there is no issue that a violation has occurred; and (2) the only question is whether it was trifling or should be whistled.

'This HAS to be decided by the referee based on the circumstances of play, taking risks, maintaining flow, etc. The only fact bearing on the matter is that the goalkeeper DID illegally take hand control of the ball under pressure from the opponents. In other words, he illegally withheld the ball from challenge, which is what this infringement is all about. Accordingly, although the decision must be up to the referee, the scenario tends to favor whistling this indirect free kick foul.'

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
In Europe both would definitely be called as offence by the referee as the GK has touched the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team mate. The restart is an IDFK on the 6 yard line directly opposite from where the GK touched the ball with his hands in both cases
In the second scenario the GK probably has the options of kicking the ball out of play, same as the 1st scenario. As a result I would not give him the benefit of viewing it as trifling as more than likely he has illegally withheld the ball from an opponent by his action. If he miskicked the ball forward into open play and it was available to be challenged for I would tend to be more lenient as probably would be the players.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This sounds like an infraction that should be called. Perhaps if it was U12 recreational play, I'd make an exception and warn the keeper when I had a chance. But the infraction cannot be excused just because the keeper made an error or the ball took an unfortunate bounce.

On a side note, the ball is not placed 'on the six at the point it entered' the goal area. Rather, it is moved to the nearest point on the long edge of the goal area from where the infraction - the handling - occurred. This is often a similar position, but would be a major difference is if the ball was crossed in from the side.