Question Number: 23759

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/11/2010

RE: Adult

David Anderson of Sunderland, Tyne & Wear United Kingdom asks...

If a goalkeeper has the ball in his hands and a player stands in front of the ball then jumps as the ball is kicked thus blocking the goalkeeper's clearance this is pulled up as a free kick and the player who blocked the shot should be booked for obstruction. As a goalkeeper I always abided by this rule and I am sure I have seen it happen this way numerous times on TV.

Am I correct?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The goalkeeper must be allowed space to release the ball back into play. If an opponent interferes, the keeper's team is awarded an indirect free kick at the site of the interference.

The opponent does not have to be cautioned - he could be warned first. I would give one (loud) warning. After that any player interfering with the goalkeeper's release would be cautioned for unsporting behavior (not obstruction).

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It is a indirect free kick foul for the player to interfere with the goalkeeper's release of the ball.

The referee also has the power to caution the opponent for unsporting behavior. For most amateur play, a loud warning will put a stop to this without taking the ball out of the keeper's hands. Many keepers prefer to punt the ball than have a free kick. At higher levels, most keepers simply move away from the opponent.

In a World Cup Qualifier a few years ago, a referee disallowed a potentially deciding goal scored when the opponent blocked the goalkeeper's punt.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The action of the opponent results in an IDFK for the keeper's team. A caution is not necessarily given. There's no caution for 'obstruction'. If a caution IS given it's for unsporting behavior. Depending on the age/skill level of the players I might give a verbal warning, a caution, or nothing. Probably the best would be to verbally intervene before the opponent completes his misdeed

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

David, you pretty well have concept right. The goalie must be allowed to punt the ball. A caution is not given on the first occasion but if the player does it again he should be booked for unsporting conduct. It is a relatively minor misconduct and we cannot afford to flash yellows on every occasion.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Law 12 says it is an indirect free kick offense for the opponent to prevent the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands (freely into play). It is also misconduct if the opponent does this blatantly or repeatedly, which results in a caution for unsporting behavior. However, there is a lot of leeway between the offense(foul) itself for which the IDFK is given, and any added punishment (the card) for misconduct. That will depend on the referee's opinion of what has transpired, and her ability to deal with it with or without the need for a card.

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