Question Number: 23863

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/1/2010

RE: AYSO Under 12

Scott Worthington of Huntington Beach, ca USA asks...

Hi,

A ball is kicked toward the goal. The goalie grabs the ball with both hands but his momentum causes him to immediately collide with an opponent, knocking the ball loose. The opponent was not charging the goalie; he just happened to be where the goalie was moving. Do you stop play or let it continue?

Part 2: Same scenario, but what if the goalie collides instead with a teammate?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Oops, too bad. There was no foul here, so play continues.

Part 2 is an even bigger Oops. That teammate will feel pretty silly, especially if the ball bounces loose and rolls into the goal.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
It is not a foul in either case. However in a game situation the 1st scenario will not be as simple as described as the forward may be in motion towards the GK. In that case the referee has to decide if the attacker contributed to the contact through being careless or not endeavouring to avoid contact with the GK who has the ball in his hands. That will be an offence.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Contact happens. In both scenarios, the referee could conclude that there is no reason to stop play. In my experience, however, it rarely happens 'by accident.' Whenever the keeper has possession of the ball, the referee needs to be aware of what the attacker is doing and why. Attackers who could avoid contact but choose not to should be called for the foul.

Players react very badly when an opponent charges their keeper (particularly when the keeper has the ball). At older levels, retaliation is likely. This is a moment of truth that requires the referee to be close and alert.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

At U12, accidents are likely to happen but the flip side is that because of this, players need to be extra careful especially around the keeper. Consequently I would call this every time to get the players to be as aware as possible of the danger to the young keeper.

Collides with a teammate, different story. Continue play.