Question Number: 29694

League Specific 9/13/2015

RE: over 30/recreational womens Adult

Kerstin Groff of Marietta, GA USA asks...

Hi, our league maintains a 'no keeper contact' rule for over 30 players. An issue has arisen as to what that means. I assumed it meant that if the keeper has control of the ball there is no contact, but players argue that this should mean no contact with the keeper when they are a) attempting to retrieve the ball with their hands but without control, or b) have called 'keeper.' Is ther ea standard answer?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Kerstin.
admittedly I am confused about the no keeper contact given the keeper with the ball is NOT permitted to be challenged at all in regulation play anyway? Do you stop trying to shoot if the keeper says 'keepers' ball'' and he is close? On a fifty/fifty are you forced to turn away because there might be contact?
Usually there is a no slide tackle rule to safeguard the older players? That makes sense as a safety measure for all players not sure why the Keeper is singled out? I would contact the league president and have the executive explain the exact meaning to share with those who play in your league the bylaws of the ROC (rules of competition)usually needs to define changes to the LOTG in detail to prevent confusion. I have no idea how your league wants that clause interpreted, although it seems to imply you will be carded or sent off if you do make contact?
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kersten
There is no standard answer here and this would be an unusual rule. I suspect that the League may want to protect goalkeepers from rash challenges at this age level and this local rule has been introduced.
It may not be consistently applied by referees as some could consider that the goalkeeper say on a deliberate kick to him could be challenged or as you point out in situations where the goalkeeper is initiating the contact through a challenge?
The answer lies with the League or perhaps through discussions with the referee on the day.

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

See Question: 29702