Question Number: 13382

Law 18 - Common Sense 7/20/2006

RE: competive Under 17

kaela of morell, pei canada asks...

are goalies allowed to bounce the ball before they go to drop kick it?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Once the keeper has control of the ball with his hands, he has six seconds to release it. During that six seconds he may bounce it, carry it, or throw it in the air all to his/her heart's content.

Read other questions answered by Referee Keith Contarino

View Referee Keith Contarino profile

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

A keeper's possession includes bouncing the ball and throwing it into the air. There once was a time when the keeper was required to bounce the ball every fourth step.

Regards,

Read other questions answered by Referee Chuck Fleischer

View Referee Chuck Fleischer profile

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes they can that is considered control.

Read other questions answered by Referee Ben Mueller

View Referee Ben Mueller profile

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Kaela,
it is risky and unneccessary but not illegal FIFA has this in the Q&A section of law 12

16. A goalkeeper holding the ball bounces it before he kicks it upfi eld. Is it an offence to bounce the ball?
No. In the spirit of the Law he would not be regarded as having
released the ball from his possession.
17. If a goalkeeper is bouncing the ball, may an opponent play the ball as it touches the ground?
No.
Cheers

Read other questions answered by Referee Richard Dawson

View Referee Richard Dawson profile

Ask a Follow Up Question to Q# 13382
Read other Q & A regarding Law 18 - Common Sense

Soccer Referee Extras: Did you Ask the Ref? Find your answer here.

Enter Question Number

If you received a response regarding a submitted question enter your question number above to find the answer

Offside Question?
Offside Explained by Chuck Fleischer & Richard Dawson, Former & Current Editor of AskTheRef

<>
This web site and the answers to these questions are not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The free opinions expressed on this site should not be considered official interpretations of the Laws of the Game and are merely opinions of AskTheRef and our panel members. If you need an official ruling you should contact your state or local representative through your club or league. On AskTheRef your questions are answered by a panel of licensed referees. See Meet The Ref for details about our panel members. While there is no charge for asking the questions, donation to maintain the site are welcomed! <>