Question Number: 17374

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/18/2007

RE: High School Adult

Kevin of Cadillac, MI USA asks...

I was officiating a high school district playoff match (AR) and flagged an attacker for blocking the Keeper's attempt to distribute the ball. The play resulted in an apparant goal, which was disallowed. I have officiated this game for years, but this particular play (mainly due to it's importance, and upset players) caused me to do an extensive rule review. What I came across confused me. At first, when I read the FIFA laws :

"An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the referee:
prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands;"

and high school rules (I don't have this verbatim, but essentially it is...):

"A player may not play or attempt to play the ball when it is in possession of the keeper"

It seemed pretty cut and dry, but then I got to thinking if you can't prevent them from RELEASING the ball, at the actual MOMENT of release, why isn't it fair game? Also, the way these rules are written, why can't you anticipate the path of the ball once it IS released and move to block it if you only can't attempt to play the ball when it is IN POSSESSION of the keeper? Does the rule govern anticipation (i.e., lifting the leg before the keeper punts?). Where is the rule that says you can't run with or move with the keeper, as I have always called games in the past. I can't find that rule.

Reading the rules has now has me totally confused about something I was confident about beforehand.

Help!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The keeper must be allowed to release the ball into play. This is more than just getting it out of his hands. Traditionally it means allowing the ball to get out some ways where players will have an opportunity to play it. While there is no set distance, such as the 10 yard radius given for a free kick, there must be some distance within which the keeper is given free reign. Running alongside or moving in response to the keeper is also restricted for this reason.

Now if the keeper throws or punts the ball directly to you and you aren't actively seeking to block him, that's a gift. Say thank you very much as you attempt to blast the ball into the net.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Tradition has always allowed for the COMPLETE release of the ball which includes the kick. You can't have an opponent follow the keeper and prevent him from releasing the ball where he wants to. Also, you can't have someone spread eagle and block the punt like you do in football (pointy type the Falcons attempt to play).

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

NFHS high school rules state: "An official shall disqualify, without caution, any player who flagrantly fouls the goalkeeper in possession of the ball. Possession or control of the ball includes when the goalkeeper has the ball trapped by either or both hands or when bouncing it to the ground or when releasing the ball into play."

Further on "The goalkeeper in possession of the ball shall not be interfered with or impeded in any manner by an opponent. This includes the act of bouncing the ball or dropping the ball for a kick or attempting to throw the ball or tossing the ball in the air to recatch."

Nothing else is mentioned in the high school rules. However the officials "have the power to make decisions on any point not specifically covered in the rules".

So, the official [referee] may demand the same as the rest of the world, the act of releasing the ball from his hands includes the time it is in the air before the ball is struck with the foot. Nothing prevents a player from standing or walking beside a keeper with the ball in his hands. HOWEVER you prevent the opponent form doing anything to interfere!

Regards,