Question Number: 19144

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/19/2008

RE: rec Under 10

terence h of sterling, va usa asks...

I played travel soccer and high school soccer and was taught (and teach) chase the ball until the goalie stops it. If the goalie misplays the ball, its a live ball.

Given this is the first season with goalies (previously unmanned pup goals), the other coach seemed to believe that once their goalkeeper had the best chance to get it, we should retreat.

I understand the concept of goalie safety, but I thought if the goalie did not control the ball, its fair game.

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Is there a question you wanted answered? I would note the goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. The younger and/or less skilled the players, the tighter I will call it. It's a game, and safety at the rec U10 level is first. I agree with your premise that a player does not have to give up on a ball because another player has the best chance at it, however I do not permit players to use this premise as a ruse to commit mayhem or go unpunished when they mess up and get the other player instead of the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I do a lot of U12 games. Tonight both teams asked me, "Can we do slide tackles?" On one team, the coach immediately said No, he wanted the team to stay on their feet. The other team I asked, "I don't know, CAN you?" And we talked about the things that could go wrong with bad slide tackles. I finished by saying, "If you haven't tried them in practice, you probably shouldn't practice them in a game." And they agreed.

This is similar to your question on charging the keeper until he gets firm possession of the ball. Can you do it? Certainly. Should you do it? With the wide variety of things that can go wrong, I'd advise that your players should attack with caution, not with abandon. They don't have to give up on play when the ball gets X distance from the keeper. But neither should they be so intent on possession that they ignore the safety of the keeper. This is a hard thing to teach to U10's, who don't have a fully-developed sense of compassion and empathy yet.