Question Number: 24025

Law 5 - The Referee 9/26/2010

RE: Rec Under 12

Charles of St. Louis, MO St. Louis asks...

One of our players had shot for a goal which was deflected by the goalie and still in play.
Two of my players then got in a footwork match with the goalie and two opponents, right at the goal line.
The ref blew the whistle and said it was the goalies ball yet she did not have control of the ball nor did she touch it with her hand after the initial deflection.


Is this right?

thnx,
Charles

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Charles
From what you describe the goalkeeper did not have possession of the ball. The GK though can have control of the ball when it is between her hands or between her hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body) . |She also has control of the ball in an outstretched hand and while bouncing the ball.
I suspect though that in a mellee with five players involved including the keeper @ U12 that the referee may have decided in the interest of safety to stop play and restart with a free kick.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Just a guess but the referee, given this is U12 Rec, was trying to protect the keeper. Was what he did allowable under the Law? No, the keeper only has control with her hands. Was this a wise decision? Probably. Our most important job is the safety of the players.