Question Number: 14548

Law 1- The Field 12/4/2006

RE: Competitive Adult

Mark Wilson of Saskatoon, SK Canada asks...

The ball is sitting on the line of the penalty area with half of the ball clearly outside of the area. The goalkeeper approaches the ball and touches the portion of the ball OUTSIDE of the area with his hands. What is the correct restart? I say that there is no infraction since the ball, when touching any portion of the line, is considered inside the area (goes back to law 12 'except the goalkeeker within his own penalty area'). But there is some dispute with my collegues. Your thoughts? Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

There is no restart. If ANY part of the ball is touching the penalty area line the ball is inside the penalty area and the keeper may legally handle the ball. You are correct and may imform your collegues!

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The ball is considered inside of the PA area. As Mr. Contarino stated since part of the ball is in area, the ball is considered to be in area. Keeper is free to touch ball with hands.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Well Mark, if your colleagues are referees there is need of some serious refresher training cause they're well off the reservation on this one. How much was the wager and can I have a percentage?

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

A ball cannot be split in half and the LOTG refer to the WHOLE of the ball COMPLETELY crossing over the line. Therefore if ANY part of the ball, inside outside, top bottom, etc. is touching the a line marking the field of play, it is a part of whatever that line is marking.

Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

As stated above, there is no restart. The ball is considered to be inside the area and the keeper can use his/her hands accordingly. All the best,