Question Number: 25069

Law 1- The Field 6/6/2011

RE: House League Under 15

Annika of Bowmanville, Ontario asks...

hi!
at the field I am reffing at, the lines were way out of proportion! it was a mini field, but i was way to small and it was a atom game. Both coaches asked me if the goalie was allowed to drop kick the ball and score off of that. I told them that I had no clue and we both agreed that they couldn't. I am at the same field on wednesday so I would like to know what the official rule is before then. thank you
annika vandrunen

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Annika
The first decision the referee has to make is whether the field markings and size are in line with the Laws of the Game and the competition rules. Pitch sizes can be modified for underage game where the competition rules allow for that. Those local rules should be published in a rules booklet pertaining to the competition.
In the absence of a competition rule the field must conform to Law 1 and it is incumbent on the referee to ensure that happens.
Also if there is no competition rule to prevent a goal being scored from a goalkeeper's punt then under the Laws of the Game a goal can be scored from a punt.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

When the goalkeeper makes a save and holds the ball in her hands, it remains in play. Her distribution of the ball is regarded just the same as if another player had kicked the ball. If she can kick or throw it all the way to the other goal, the goal counts.

That said, many mini-soccer rules limit the distance that the goalkeeper can kick the ball following hand possession. For example, one of the leagues in my area has this rule for U9 and U10:
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The goalkeeper after handling the ball may not punt the ball over the halfway line. For example, if a goalkeeper kicks the ball, it must bounce at least once before crossing the halfway line. However, the goalkeeper would be permitted to kick the ball across the halfway line if it is not picked up or handled first. Please Note: By definition ALL drop kicks by the goalkeeper would be considered a violation of this rule. Violation of this rule will result in awarding a throw-in (in order to move the game along) to the opposing team of the offending goalkeeper at the nearest intersection of halfway line and sideline. A goalkeeper may not directly receive and handle a throw-in.
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(I have no idea what that 'Please Note' sentence means.)

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Annika:

Small field matches may have local rules that answer the coach's question - - hopefully in writing. The referee should always check for local rules before arriving at the field. I find that the rules often are available on the internet. If the house rules are not written, you need to talk to the house league's administrators.

Other questions that come up in small field play:

- when/how can a team substitute?
- are there any limits on how far a keeper can throw or punt the ball?
- are free kicks the same as in large field (some leagues make all kicks indirect)
- any rules against slide tackles?
- is the offside law applicable?

In the absence of a local rule, apply the laws of the game and common sense.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 29377