Question Number: 23849

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2010

RE: competive Under 14

Mark Bondurant of Canton, North Carolina Usa asks...

What happens if a player kicks the ball out of the keepers hand?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Once the goalkeeper has the ball in his possession he cannot be challenged. If there is no contact with the GK it is an IDFK for preventing the release of the ball by the GK and probably a caution as well. If there is contact it is a direct free kick and a caution.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Mark, players must allow the goalkeeper to clear the ball and he has six seconds to do that once he gained possession. The action you describe is of course a foul and play must be stopped. A caution could easily be given for unsporting behaviour and restart is an IFK from where it happened or if in the goal area, from anywhere in the goal area.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

This is a foul, and the referee should stop play. It may also be misconduct for which the player could be cautioned and shown the yellow card. Play will restart for the defense with an indirect free kick.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

This is a situation where age and skill level should drive the referee's decisions. In U14 competitive, kicking the ball out of the keeper's hands should generate a DFK and a caution (I'm assuming he had to kick one of the keeper's hands in the process, or at least he was attempting to kick him).

In a younger or less skilled game, it would depend on the situation - probably just a free kick - either direct or indirect, depending on contact or not - and a quick stern word with the perpetrator. Repeats earn a caution.