Question Number: 23831

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/25/2010

RE: Professional Adult

Sebastiano of New York, N.Y. 10002 , New York USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 98924

When hitting the ball with your head, are you allowed to open or spread your arms, especially if next to an oppenent?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sebastiano
The answer to that is whether the arms are used to push or strike an opponent which is not allowed. Many players spread their arms for so called 'leverage' when jumping for the ball. If that outstretched arm holds down, pushes, impedes an opponent, strikes then that is an offence and the referee will award a free kick.
Having said that I noticed in a CL game where the player raised his arms to jump for the ball and the opponent jumped with the defender making contact with the player's raised arm resulting in a cut to the eye. This was not a foul but simply a coming together even though it did result in a nasty cut.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Your right to spread your arms ends where your opponent's body begins. You are free to occupy space on the field, but not space that is already taken up by someone else. You would likely be called for holding, pushing or striking, depending on how your arm contacted the opponent.

By the way, asking a question more than once won't get it answered any sooner. We try for 2-3 day turnaround on questions so that we may do any research necessary to get a correct answer. We are volunteers who answer questions on our own time. We are not paid staff waiting around to chat.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You also cannot move your arms in such a manner so as to obstruct an opponent's sight. Nor can you move your arms/hands in such a manner the referee deems attempting to strike an opponent