Question Number: 25845

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 12/20/2011

RE: Competive Adult

Jeremy Croshaw of Balgonie, Saskatchewan Canada asks...

My question deals with the keeper handling the ball. If the keeper has the ball in his hands but steps out of bounds at the back line but the ball is still in play is that out of bounds? Same for the top of the box. If the keeper has the ball in his hands and has stepped out of the box but the ball remains within the box. Is the keeper called for a hand ball? Further more, if the keeper jumps on the while it is within the area on the ground, while the keeper is out of the area either at the back line or in the field of play, is that a hand ball?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

What matters is the position of the ball, not the position of the goalkeeper. If the ball stays on the field, it doesn't matter if the keeper's feet go out.

Neither does the keeper's position with regard to the penalty area make a difference. If the ball is inside the area - if any portion of it overlaps the slightest portion of the line - the goalkeeper can handle it.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jeremy
The position of the goalkeeper is irrelevant in these matters. It is the position of the ball that counts. The line forms part of the penalty area so all of the ball must be over the goal line for it to be out of play or outside the penalty area. As you know the goalkeeper may not touch the ball with his hands when all of the ball is in play outside the penalty area.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

1. If any part of the ball is on or above the goal line, the ball is in play.

2. If any part of the ball is on or above the penalty area line, the keeper can handle it.