Question Number: 30334

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/23/2016

RE: HS soccer High School

Loren council of Williamsburg, Va USA asks...

Goalie saved the ball and bounced it while moving up to boot it. Slipped out of hand and he picked it up then punted. Indirect kick was awarded.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Loren
I suspect that the referee here deemed that the goalkeeper released possession of the ball when it dropped to the ground in which case the GK is restricted from touching the ball with the hands again until it has been played by an opponent or in a manner by a team mate that allows the ball to be picked up legally. Bouncing of the ball by a GK is not release of possession while throwing the ball to the ground is.
What it does point to is the need for GKs to be careful while in possession of the ball so that this question is not asked of the referee. Perhaps at very young age groups or with a more lenient official it might be ignored if the pick up was instant as was the resultant punt.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Loren,
Strictly speaking this is the correct decision. If the keeper fumbles the ball this is considered losing possession - so if its from a scenario like this and he handles it again, the referee can award an indirect free kick for touching the ball with his hands after he has released it from his possession.
There can be some scope for the referee to bend the laws here, taking into consideration the age/skill of the players. If the ball remained at the keepers feet, he picked it up immediately and it wasnt denying an attacker possession then many referees may have let it slide. Thats not to say it was the incorrect decision though.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Loren,
According to NFHS Rule 12-7-1, once the ball is released into play, the goalkeeper cannot touch it again with the hands until it has been played by another player of the same team outside the penalty area or by a player of the opposing team inside or outside the penalty area. A ball slipping out of the hand would is not a deliberate act to release the ball so the goalkeeper should be able to pick it up with the hands without penalty. However, the referee must determine if this was a release or a slip out of the hands. In this case the referee ruled a release. I hope this helps.