Question Number: 6816

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct

RE: Rec Adult

Laurie Miller of Gibson, BC Canada asks...

Hi Again, .Decision 2 of Law 12 says that a goal keeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. I find it easy to establish that a keeper has control when the ball in on the ground and the keeper touches it....but when the ball is in play, in the air and another player is challenging for a ball it is another matter. Today I refereed an adult men's game and when an opposing player tried to head a ball that the keeper was reaching for ( in the goal area), the captain of the defending team thought that I should have called a foul on the offensive player. I simply read the play as the keeper and offensive player both attempting to play the ball and both had a legal right to do so. However, after the game the defending team questioned me about anyone but the keeper playing the ball in the goal area. They were of the impression that no one could challenge the keeper for the ball if it was in this area. I have re-read law 12 and looked at my "advise for referees" and see nothing that supports the notion that only the keeper can play the ball in the goal area. Am I missing something? Are there special privileges for the keeper in the goal area? The only privilege that the keeper has (to play the ball with his hands) applies to the whole penalty area. The only purpose that I can figure for marking a "goal" area is to give an area that goal kicks are to be taken from. Help!!! We have a referee meeting Tuesday, so I would love to have an answer to take back by then!!! Thanks again....I really value the service that you offer. Laurie

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Laurie you must take a trip into history to figure out what they were talking about. Not too long ago Law XII Fouls and Misconduct, Paragraph 4 read as follows:..4. charging the goalkeeper except when he. . (a) is holding the ball;. (b) is obstructing an opponent;. (c) has passed outside his goal area;..This could be a source for the myth they seem to have. Notice he could not be challenged (charged) within his goal area. Note, too, if he was holding the ball he could be charged outside the goal area! ..Today we leave the keeper alone when he has control of the ball and if he doesn't have control we may challenge him until he does. Remember that the keeper may have the ball rebound from his hand or arm and NOT be in control. He's fair game then but most referees tend to offer a little more protection to the keeper just because they think it prudent. ..Regards,

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