Question Number: 22556

Law 18 - Common Sense 11/21/2009

RE: Under 16

Sufyan of Peterborough, United Kingdom asks...

hi there, just a quick question,

So the attacker is trying to get the ball, but the goalkeeper gets there before him and picks it up and rolls is down to his nearest Defender who touches it and is INSIDE THE PENALTY AREA,

is this an offence?

is this the same offence commited when its a Goal Kick... do you order a Retake of the throw form the goal keeper or award an Indirect Free Kick to the attacking team?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

When the keeper handles the ball it is still in play. Thus, once he releases it any player can touch it anywhere on the field.

The requirement for the ball to leave the penalty area only applies to goal kicks, and free kicks by the defence within their own penalty area.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sufyan
The only requirement for the ball to leave the penalty area, to be put into play, is on a goal kick or a free kick.
At all other times the ball is in play and there is no requirement for it to leave the penalty area to be played such as in the example you cite.
Also on a goal kick or a free kick if the ball is touched inside the penalty area it is not an offence as the ball is not in play. It is always a retake.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the defender deliberately uses his hands to touch the ball inside the penalty area, it is a foul and penalty kick. But he is free to play it any other way when the keeper has realeased it. That's because it is not a restart; play has continued without stoppage. Rules that apply to free kicks and goal kicks don't apply here.