Question Number: 26817

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/24/2012

RE: competitive

rob deconinck of st petersburg, fl pinellas asks...

Handball. From 'Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game.' 12.9..'Moving hands or arms instictively to protect the body when suddenly faced with a fast approaching ball does not constitute deliberate contact unless there is subsequent action to direct the ball once contact is made.'
From NFHS (High School), 12.2: 'A player, who is part of a wall in a free kick, moves the hands after the kick to protect his/her face from the ball. Ruling: This is a foul for deliberately handling the ball.' Your thoughts/opinion?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Rob
When discussing this it is important to take all of the advice as to what constitutes deliberate handling into account
The ATR also says that a player jumping in the wall with his hands in a 'protective position' is also deliberate handling.
In 12.9 it is expected that the ball is from close range not 10 yards away.
So both codes are on the same page when it comes to deliberate handling and in effect both are saying the same thing.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The two approaches are one of several rules differences between the laws of the game and NFHS.

NFHS looks only at the conduct (did the arm move) and not the reason (was it reflexive to protect or deliberate to control).

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Moral of this is for high school players to place their hands before the kick. A wise referee will take that into consideration in high school games, to make the best call for the game.