Question Number: 25895

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/15/2012

RE: Competitive League Under 15

Peter Silver of Richmond, London United Kingdom asks...

When a goalie has collected the ball in his hands and wishes to clear it, how close can the opposition be? Can they lunge as the kick is made from within the penalty box by entering the penalty box?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

The laws require that the opposing team allow the keeper to release the ball. This means they can't physically block the keeper from moving around within the penalty area, nor can they challenge for the ball as it's being released for the punt. They also cannot move to block the kick just after it's left the keeper's foot (eg by jumping a few yards in front of the keeper).

The penalty for any of these is an indirect free kick to the opposition, and the referee may choose to caution a player if he feels the incident is particularly dangerous or unsporting.

However, if there's been little or no effect on play then a referee may allow play to continue and either warn the player involved or keep a close eye on things in the future.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Peter
The Laws state that when in possession of the ball or releasing it from his possession the goalkeeper may not be challenged.
So an opponent may not do anything close to the goalkeeper in those situations including jumping up, being in the GK's kicking space etc. That includes lunging towards the goalkeeper as he is kicking the ball on a punt. If the opponent commits that offence it is punished by an indirect free kick.
If the player is far enough back he can intercept the ball say on a throw or a short kick. How close that can happens depends on the referee but in my opinion if it is less that 5 yards it is not an interception. When players are that far back rarely do they try to interfere with the goalkeeper.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

There is a myth among players that being outside the penalty area makes a difference. It does not. The opponent must not do anything that interferes with the goalkeeper's release of the ball. How far is left to the discretion of the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The opponents are not allowed to interfere with the goalkeeper's release of the ball back into play - which means when the keeper has possession of the ball in his or her hands, they cannot be challenged at all in any fashion.

They cannot head it out of his outstretched hand, kick it in the air when he has let go and is in the process of punting the ball, nor can they get in his way, block him , or challenge him when he is in possession of the ball. Remember that the keeper has 6 seconds to release possession once it is his alone. That release is to be unchallenged, just as the keeper is unchallenged when in possession. Remember that this is as true for one team as for their opponents.