Question Number: 29123

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/22/2015

RE: Rec, Select, Competive Adult

Jimmy of Houston, Texas US asks...

Can goal keepers in an attempt to punt the ball toss it high in air but do not punt and grab the ball again?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jimmy,
such an action is not of itself reason to see it as anything The keeper has 6 seconds to release the ball back into play, he can bounce the ball, toss it up until that time expires plus or minus whatever time a referee might be inclined to NOT award an INDFK for hanging on too long.
Often this action is created by a too close opponent in as much as a keeper might stumble or be off balance. SO the incident will be looked at for what it is and a referee will choose a course of action best suited.
It could be a verbal reminder to the keeper to hurry.
Or reset the 6 second clock and perhaps warn the nearby opponent who might have caused the delay or award an indfk against the opponent and or caution him.
OR the keeper miscalculation throwing the ball too far forward his regrab might be over extending his 6 seconds,

Hard to see it as a 2nd touch to prevent the opponent from contesting for possession because the keeper is not supposed to be challenged in anyway when releasing the ball. If the ball was tossed and allowed to hit the ground and it rolled away it could be a 2nd touch to acquire it again.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jimmy
Perfectly legal and it is covered under the Laws which I quote
* A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball:
# while the ball is between his hands or between his hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body)
# while holding the ball in his outstretched open hand
# while in the act of bouncing it on the ground or tossing it into the air .* Bold by me
So as long as the ball is released within the 6 seconds or thereabouts there is no possible offence. It usually happens in a change of mind situation on a punt or perhaps where there is a threat of interference from an opponents occurs just as the GK goes to kick.
Certainly not a wise tactic by a goalkeeper unless of course its to do with his punt as already mentioned.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Jimmy,

If a keeper tosses the ball in the air it's still considered to be under his control, like bouncing it or dropping it to his foot to kick it. It doesn't matter if he tosses it high - opponent's still can't challenge.

And there's no real problem here - the six seconds is still counting here, so it's just like he's still holding the ball. The keeper isn't benefitting from doing this.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 29129