Question Number: 30276

Law 1- The Field 4/11/2016

RE: Adult

Jamie of Levin, New Zealand asks...

This question is a follow up to question 12117

Goalkeeper handles the ball in the penalty arc. Should this be a direct or indirect free kick to the attacking team?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Jamie,

The Penalty Arc is not part of the Penalty Area. It's only purpose is ensure players are 10yards away from the ball at a penalty kick - so it's a distance marker, not an area boundary. If a defender deliberately handles the ball inside the arc, it's simply a direct free kick, not a penalty kick.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jamie
The arc is not part of the penalty area. It is there to assist at a penalty kick by keeping players other than the kicker 10 yards from the ball.
If the goalkeeper handles the ball in that arc the restart is a direct free kick. The offence nay also merit either a caution or a dismissal depending on the circumstances. It might just be a free kick only such as the GK carrying the ball out of the area in error on a punt.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi James,
only the base of the D arc (the straight section paralleling the goal line 18 yd away is part of the penalty area the curved portion is outside the PA as part of the FOP. If the ball is in contact/overhang with that straight section of 5 inch borderline within the arc then the keeper could use his hands . Other than that it is a DFK for handling the ball deliberately and possible cause for cardable misconduct resulting in a caution or send off. As mentioned its only function is to indicate where players can not be during the taking of a pk! Keeper upon running forward and punting the ball often extend their arms when tossing the ball out in front have been known to carry the ball outside the PA. We generally warn if it close but I have seen inexperienced keepers actually run to the top of the arc not grasping they are outside their PA.

Cheers