Question Number: 14664

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/5/2007

RE: select Under 17

mandip of surrey, B.C. Canada asks...

can the goalie pickup the ball in the D-area of the 18yrd box?

Answer provided by Referee Mike Gartenhaus

No the keeper may not handle the ball in the D. it is not part of the Penalty Area, it is only used to ensure that all players are 10 yards from the ball when Penalty Kicks are taken.
However, if the ball was not kicked or thrown in directly to the D by the teammate, then teh keeper may dribble the ball with his foot back into the Penalty Area and then pick the ball up.
Thank you for writing.

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Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

No, he may not. That is the penalty arc. Penalty arc is only used on a PK to ensure all players are 10 yards from the ball.

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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Well he can, but he's not going to like the result. (Yeah, my kids always hate when I do the "can/may" thing too.)

The arc is not part of the penalty area. It is there for the same reason the center circle is there - to define where players may stand in a very specialized kick. The keeper's special powers do not apply in the arc.

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No. It's outside of the penalty area

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