Question Number: 12866

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/21/2006

RE: Select Under 15

Tom Prest of Lynchburg, VA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 12807

My question is about a hand ball call that resulted in a goal. Our last defender cleared the ball which hit the hand of the striker for the other team from very close range. The ball advanced and resulted in a goal for the opposition from that striker. The referee saw the handball and after consulting with the linesman, ruled the ball an unintentional hand ball. I questioned the call as the ball was advanced and resulted in a goal which cost us the game. Any feedback?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Tom,
if the referee saw the impact as NOT deliberate handling then the ball striking the hand is no different then if you had smashed it off his face, chest, knee or whatever. In these cases the hand is just another body part. The fact that the ball fell advantagously is not advantage as per law 5 it is blessed dumb luck and sometimes that bites when it is against you as it lights up like sunshine when it is for you.
THe key decisions in the officials deliberation were likely
in the opinion of the referee
the speed of play given the velocity of the ball it was impossible to avoid contact.
The hands were in a natural playing position not placed like a lunging line backer to make himself wider
WHEN contact occured no attempt by the player was seen to deliberately direct it !
Cheers and good for you for seeking clarification not retribution.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The referee was correct in allowing the goal here. The only time we call it is if it is DELIBERATE. Even if a player gains an advantage as was the case here from handling the ball, it is NOT called unless it was delibrate. Technically you can score a goal from your hand. As Always,

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

You said the ball hit the hand of a player. How can there be any question this is foul play? You said it hit, not the hand hit the ball. There can be no deliberately handling the ball here! You are saying you agree with the referee. You said it HIT! No Foul.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

Not to pile on but I agree with the comments of my colleagues. It all boils down to whether the player played the ball with their hand or not. From your description it appears that the ball was played into the striker's hand and hence was not "played" with the hand. No call. All the best,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The ball was not advanced through any action of the player. That is to say, the player did not play the ball, the ball played his hand. The fact that it ended up in the goal is meaningless as far as the call is concerned. Either he handled it or not. Sounds like not to me and a good no-call by the referee crew.