Question Number: 30499

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/10/2016

RE: Under 15

Brian Kerrigan of Brooklyn, NY USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30498

Thanks gents,that really clarifies the situation for me.I also referee and contend with the baffled looks on players' faces when I don't call accidental hand ball!

It does seem unfair though that a hand ball,albeit accidental,may lead to or deny a goal - e.g a defender on the goal line denying a goal because the ball hits his hand.

Perhaps the IFAB will consider an 'unfair advantage rule' which may alleviate some of the (understandable) heat felt by referees in these situations.Would they consider an IDFK offense where a distinct and obvious advantage is gained I wonder?

Cheers,
Brian Kerrigan.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Brian
I have said for some time that the game needs to tidy up the ball handling offence. It is now one of the most contentious calls in the game and one that referees get wrong so many times, depending of course on your point of view. I would safely say that I really only see perhaps 2/3 blatant handling per season where the player lifts his hand to move the ball deliberately. The rest are a combination of unintentional contacts and situations where players making themselves bigger. I would go as far as to say that ball striking hand could be ruled out as an offence in all situations with the exception of the 100% deliberate hand to ball situation where the player knowingly plays the ball. Most players do not have a clue where the ball is and it just hits them on the arm with the debate then about natural and unnatural body positions.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6Joey7jIQio
These are the handbells that need to be sanctioned.