Question Number: 13261

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/3/2006

RE: Recreational Adult

Ashley Petherick of Wellington, New Zealand asks...

Hi,
I'm a goal keeper, and get frustrated when I have the ball in my hands, and about to punt the ball out into the field of play.
Are opposition players allowed to impose themselves in front of the goal keeper, when they punt the ball (not from a goal kick of couse, cos they must be outside of the penatly area anyway).
can they attempt to "charge down the ball" when the keeper is punting the ball into play? Can the opposition run in front of the goal keeper when he is running out to the edge of the penalty area to punt the ball up field?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Nope. IFK for keepers team.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

It is an indirect free kick offence when a player does not allow the keeper to release the ball from his hands. BUT a player may be anyplace on the field he chooses. If he chooses to be in front of the keeper the keeper may move to either side and go around this impediment. If the player moves to get in your way that's when I whistle to stop play. The second time this happens I whistle again and caution for unsporting behaviour and unless it stops every player who does it will be cautioned.

Some referees think this Game is like basketball in some respects, so they allow the interference. When that happens we have a field condition that must be overcome. Remember if the ball touches another player after it has been released from play you may use your hands again. Saying to the opponent, very close by, "Here, Catch!" and tossing the ball gently to him could cause him to deliberately handle the ball, right?

These days players see professionals run beside an opposing goalkeeper. This is a tactic to force a punt rather than allow the keeper to put the ball on the floor and is within the Law. Running in front of the keeper prevents the release of the ball and that's foul play.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The keeper is to be allowed to release the ball from his possession without ANY interference from his opponents. If they do any of the things you describe, then you should be awarded an indirect free kick. That said, an opponent may position himself any place on the field he likes. You simply go around him. If he follows, whistle and IFK. If this nonsense continues in future action, yellow cards will be pulled.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 13377

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