Question Number: 27563

Law 1- The Field 6/26/2013

RE: Competitive Under 19

Kyle K of Ottawa, ON Canada asks...

Hey guys,

I just need a clarification on a call (or no call) that I made the other night. I was an AR for a U18 competitive game. The attacking striker was on a clear breakaway and the goalie came out to challenge, the striker took a shot from about 10 yards outside the 18 yard box. The goalie made a diving save, however he sprawled out directly on the 18-yard line. At the point of contact between the ball and goalie, the ball had just a touch on the outside part of the 18-yard box line. The shot ended up deflecting out of bounds for a throw-in. Coaches and players were losing their minds because they were claiming for a hand ball. My explanation was that the 18-yard box line was A PART of the box itself, therefore if the goalie touches the ball when it has any part of it on the line it is considered a legal play.

I couldn't find any rules to back up my reasoning. However, I remember reading about it before. Did I make the right no call? Thanks guys.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kyle
You will find the answer in Law 1
'' The field of play must be rectangular and marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.''
So once you judged that the ball was on the penalty area line it was inside the penalty area and therefore the goalkeeper was entitled to touch the ball with his hands.
So you made the correct call. Just as an aside had the ball been just inside the penalty area the attacking team would probably still be claiming a penalty kick.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

If any part of the ball is on or above the penalty area line, then it is deemed to be in the penalty area.

Of course people will blow up over this sort of decision - but you're in a better position than anybody to spot where it is.

You made the right decision for the right reasons.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Your no call was correct and you can find what you look for in Law 1. Good job