Question Number: 26132

Law 1- The Field 4/2/2012

Alex of Milford, CT USA asks...

In a recent game a ball was played down the field by the attacking team, picked up by the keeper while only partly over the penalty area line. The opposing coach argued that the ball wasn't in the 'area' yet, and thus his team should be awarded a free kick. When is the ball able to be handled by the keeper in that situation?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Alex:

The keeper is eligible to handle the ball if any part of the ball is on or over any part of the penalty area line. The coach, while inventive, was inaccurate.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

All lines form part of the area they enclose. Thus, the penalty area line forms part of the penalty area.

If any part of the ball - even just a sliver - is on or above the PA line then it's considerd to be in the PA and the keeper cna handle it.

To the coach, it probably looked like it wasn't even on the line. Expect these appeals on close decisions like this.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Alex
The penalty area line is like any other line on the field of play. If part of the ball is on the line it is in the area formed by the lines. So in this case as the ball is on the penalty area line it is deemed to be inside the penalty area and the goalkeeper is entitled to use his hands.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If any part of the ball is on or over any part of any penalty area boundary line, then it is 'in' the penalty area and the keeper is allowed to handle it. Surprisingly, the coach was wrong!!