Question Number: 20555

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/19/2008

RE: Competitive Under 19

Gary Blanton of Cincinnati, Ohio USA asks...

When is the gaolie in control of the ball? I have been told 'Goal keeper control is defined as one finger on top of the ball (pinned between finger and ground). So, a hand resting on top of a stopped ball is considered in control by a referee.' But what about when they attempt to catch it in the air and they are bobbling the ball before it hits the ground?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You have been told correctly. If the keeper is bobbling the ball, most of us would deem him not in control. This means an opponent could challenge for the ball but the challenge would still have to be fair

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

What often happens a hard charging attacker that is trying to avoid the keeper suddenly sees the bobbled opportunity and tries for it but is coming in so hard that even if the ball is contacted the keeper is likely to be hurt in the exchange. It is hard to go into avoidance mode then shift to attack and stay balanced at high speeds.

A bobbled ball may be contested but it must be a challenged for in such a way that is not careless, reckless or excessive as to the element of danger it would place the keeper in. You could legally shoulder charge the keeper off the ball IF The timing was right.

One could toe poke , knock or nudge the ball as opposed to a vicious kick that even if it struck the ball it is likely to follow through would hit the keeper as well. You can not barge through the keeper either, you must fashion a realistic try for the ball that does not compromise the keeper's safety.
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 20568