Question Number: 25321

Law 1- The Field 8/18/2011

Gwyn Williams of Bridgewater, NJ USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24887

Does it matter where on the ball the keeper's hand touches it?
I was reading 'Your the Ref' (a great publication from the UK) which seemed to indicate that if the keeper touches the part of ball that is 'outside' the box then this is handball.
Can you clarify

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The keeper may touch any part of the ball. As long as any part of the ball is on or over the line, the ball is considered to be 'within the penalty area' and the keeper may handle it.

It doesn't matter where the keeper is located. It doesn't matter where most of the ball is located. It is about the status of the ball.

Dennis

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If part of the ball is on or over the penalty area line, then the ball is in the penalty area. The goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball when it is in the PA - it doesn't matter what part of the ball is touched.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

That's a myth that needs squashing. A ball on any part of the line of the penalty area is in the penalty area, and since we have to count the whole ball, not just a slice of it, the keeper can handle any part of the ball while any other part of the ball is still on or over the penalty area line.

It's a good thing, too. Imagine how hard it would be if we refs had to judge whether the part of the ball being handled was in or out of the PA? Good thing the Laws were written with mostly great common sense.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Gywn
The referee has to determine whether the ball is inside or outside the penalty area. If the ball is touching any part of the penalty area line it is inside the penalty area and the goalkeeper can legally touch the ball with his hands. That includes any part of the ball including the part that is ouside the plane of the line.
In reality though and at speed this will be a very difficult call to make for any referee and AR. If there is any doubt play should continue.