Question Number: 14503

Law 1- The Field 11/24/2006

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, on canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14470

From the answers to the question, I just want to confirm that I understand correctly as to what the rule says.

The ball is considered to be still inside the penalty area unless the whole ball completely crosses the penalty box lines. Does this mean the goalkeeper can legally handle the part of the ball outside the penalty area provided that the ball has not completely crosses the penalty box lines?

By the same token, is it a penalty kick if a defender other than the goal keeper handles the part of the ball that is outside the penalty area when some part of the ball is over the penalty box lines?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Alex, here's an easy way to remember this. All the field markings are PART of the area they enclose. So, if the ball is in contact with or is still breaking the plane of ANY boundary line, it is still within that boundary. Also, note well that almost no seasoned referee will award a DFK an few inches or a foot outside the penalty area simply because the keeper carried it a little over on a punt.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The keeper can handle the entire ball or any part of the ball PROVIDED THAT PART OF THE BALL IS IN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PENALTY AREA.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

This is a fact.