Question Number: 23944

Law 18 - Common Sense 9/16/2010

RE: Rec Under 8

Kenny of Celina, oh us asks...

Are goalies allowed to lunge themselves for balls while other kids are in full leg swing? My kids are always getting yelled at by other coaches telling them to stop. I have never played so not know rules i don't know what to say. Its frustrating when some people tell me to let them kick and say its fair ball and others say as soon as they touch the ball they are not allowed to kick.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

When dealing with seven years old players, the primary goal is to keep the game safe and fun. In the situation you describe, there is a great danger that a keeper will be kicked in the head. Little kids may not even be aware that the keeper's head is next to the ball - - they focus on kicking the ball. Indeed, many leagues do not allow keepers with U8.

The laws are written with professionals in mind, and a discussion of the elements of the foul for play in a dangerous manner should, frankly, wait until they are older. At competitive older levels, however, keepers are expected to lunge for the ball and most have received painful kicks in the face.

As the dad of a keeper, I'm not sure that a coach can teach someone not to seek the ball. But, you can find information about how to teach keepers to gather the ball without diving.

We encourage referees to stop play quickly with little kids if there is any dangerous situation - - - even if the elements for a foul are not present. When there is no foul, we restart play with a dropped ball (and a friendly reminder why it was dangerous). Even though it is a foul to kick the keeper, most kids would rather not be kicked.

With players under ten, however, play can be stopped if the keeper does something dangerous and it affects others play.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I had a U9 game tonight where the keeper was pretty much fumbling the ball about as the attackers kicked at it. He finally got two hands on the ball at the same time, so I quickly whistled to stop play to protect the players. Of course the attacker's coach complained, 'He never had control!' Maybe not really good control, but enough for that age level. Much better than having the keeper injured. (And I would have done the same at the other end, so it wasn't a benefit to one team only.)

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

hi kenny
At this age group safety is the key consideration. With goalkeepers on the ground their movement is extremely limited and a kick is a real danger. Also GKs should be reminded not to jump down at the feet of player creating a dangerous situation. I would stop play at this age group for the incident you describe.
As these player get older the law will be enforced more strictly with either play being allowed to continue or if there is contact a DFK for the foul.