Question Number: 4092

Law 15 - Throw In

RE: Sunday League Adult

chris chaffey of hitchin, england asks...

I sometimes have to play in goal and have a few queries. If a throw-in is thrown to the keeper, can he pick it up? Can a goalkeeper take throw-ins (although its not likely)? Also if the keeper get the ball to his feet outside the box, is he allowed to take it inside and pick it up or does this count as a back pass to himself? Id be greatful if you could clear this up for me.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Chris, you may not use your hands if the ball is deliberately kicked or thrown to you or to where you can play it by a colleague. You may take any throw-in. If you win the ball in the outfield you are within the Law if you dribble the ball infield and then use your hands, it is not a back pass to yourself...Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Stacy Kalstrom

A goalkeeper may not pick the ball up with his/her hands if it has been thrown in directly to him/her from a team mate, if the throwin comes from an opponent, he/she may use their hands...With regard to the ball at the keeper's feet outside the box, the keeper may dribble the ball into the box and pick it up with his/her hands IF the ball was last played by a member of the opposing team...Thanks for asking, keep having fun!!

Answer provided by Referee Nagy

Hi Chris! Goalies may not pick up a ball thrown in or kicked to him by a team mate, no matter where he received the ball. If he does outside the area, DFK, inside IFK. If the ball is from an opponent he can dribble it into the area and then pick it up. He can also pick it up if he receives the ball from a team mate who did not KICK it to him: heading, shoulder, knee, bum, chest, back is OK. Kick is a no-no. Gene