Question Number: 20557

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/19/2008

RE: Select High School

Dave E of Clarkston, WA USA asks...

Goalkeeper challenging for the ball

A couple of local high school goalkeepers have been coached to challenge for the ball by sliding both feet forward toward the opponent and using their hands to gain possession of the ball. They keep their cleats down.

In my opinion, this would most likely be PIADM as a minimum offense. It seems similar to how some goalkeepers jump up for the ball with a raised knee.

Please advise. Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Being a Keeper is a risky job!
He bends down, falls down, dives across or jumps over people to get to the ball at the oppositions' feet using his hands because once the ball is in his hands the opposition MUST cease play for the ball.
Those opposing attackers who slide in with both feet directed at a ball that the keeper is there trying to grab are likely guilty of reckless or excessive tackling, jumping, kicking or charging. They likely will be cautioned shown a yellow card or a sent off & shown the red card. The keeper who reciprocates DOING the exact same thing is guilty of the exact same thing. Capisci?

Keepers adapt these techniques because of the coaching PERCEPTION that referees allow too much freedom in the attacker's challenges without sanctions when the keepers are hurt as part of the game. A foul is a foul no matter who does it to who!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Hear! Hear!

Ref Dawson is correct - this type of behavior from keepers is no more acceptable than it is from any other player.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

So, what exactly do they do? How do they slide with cleats up and use their hands at the same time? regardless, Ref Dawson is correct. The keeper has no more right than any other player to carelessly, recklessly, or with excessive force charge,tackle,trip,kick,push or jump at an opponent.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

This is the dumbest coaching tactic I've ever heard.

What if the keeper carelessly trips the opponent or carelessly tackles him... probably a penalty kick.

In youth regionals I saw this happen, the keeper went out feet first and got the opponent's ankle before the ball and then he caught after he made contact. I called the penalty and when the keeper argued about it he saw yellow.

If the keeper goes with his hands, this is not a risk! Plus if the keeper were to be able to gain possession of the ball then the opponent's could challnege for it.