Question Number: 23853

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2010

RE: Travel Under 12

Tony of Shelby Twp, MI Macomb asks...

Hi,

Is a goalkeeper allowed to make a 'feet first' save?

Thanks

Tony

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Sure, just like any other player could do. Of course, the players are not allowed to kick or trip their opponents while doing so!

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Tony, in general, feet first tackles are OK as long it does not endanger other players, including teammates.
Some goalies jump up for the ball with their knee protruding and if done in a forward motion, i.e. at the end of a run, the momentum could put a lot pressure on the opponent upon contact. Sliding into an opponent feet first, studs showing could also injure. I mean it could be a gut wrenching affair or dental work. So to answer your question, the answer is yes as long it is safe to all players.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Many keepers are being trained to use a cleats up slide toward an onrushing attacker. This tactic can be extremely dangerous and can result in a sendoff for serious foul play. It is not the 'feet first slide' but the reckless tackle that endangers the safety of an opponent.

Still, there are many ways for a keeper to make a fair challenge for the ball with a feet first save. The referee needs to judge fair or foul based on the force, speed and timing of the tackle, and the relative location of the ball and opponent.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tony
The GK is treated the same as any other player while challenging for the ball. If the referee believes that a player has been careless, reckless or used excessive force while making a tackle that is an offence and a direct free kick or penalty. If the player is reckless it is also a caution and if he endangered the safety of an opponent it is a dismissal for serious foul play.
In principle there is nothing wrong with a 'feet first' challenge. However to do this GKs or players usually have to leave the ground to execute the challenge and therein lies the problem which is lack of control. Once the GK or player commits to this he has no control to stop or change direction as he is in the air. Also players do not take kindly to these 'feet first' challenges as any contact with the opponent does mean a risk of serious injury and the referee will be berated for allowing this challenge usually with a roar of 'Two Feet Ref' " Feet first Ref".
So the GK runs a real risk of being called for an offence in these type of challenges and I certainly would not coach a GK to use this method to challenge for the ball.