Question Number: 30730

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/8/2016

RE: competitve High School

William Ocampo of Houston, TX USA asks...

Can a keeper yell 'keeper' when out of the goalie box but still inside the penalty area when opponents are also challenging the ball. If this intimidates an opponents from playing the ball, is this not unsporting behavior. There is no need to call for the ball inside the goalie box as he can not be interfered while handling the ball. If the opponent does not challenge then there is no intimidation and it serves as communication for his own teammates. If you can't scream for the ball in the center of the field, why is it that we allow the goalies to scream for the ball in their own penalty areas.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

William,
Although I don't recall having seen this called, you are correct that the yelling could be done to impede an opponent,. If that is the case, this would be considered a deliberate verbal tactic. A deliberate verbal tactic is unsporting conduct in high school, and as indicated in NFHS Rule 12-8-f7, a caution is to be given to the goalkeeper. I hope that you have a very successful season.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi William,

Ref Manjone has already given an answer as per NFHS rules so let me just point out that, at least under the Laws of the Game as promulgated by the IFAB, when it comes to verbally distracting an opponent it is not the where, what or who that matters, it is only the result of the verbal utterance.

Any player, be it the keeper or an outfield player is free to call for the ball wherever they are on the pitch, using whatever terminology they wish (absent the use of offensive, insulting or abusive language) so long as in doing so, they do not distract an opponent.

There is a common myth (unfortunately perpetuated even by some referees) that it is an offence to call for the ball without 'putting a name on it.' However, that is all it is - a myth.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi William
Goalkeepers are coached to ensure that when coming for a ball that they let team mates know their intention. That involves a shout of keepers or whatever. Opponents expect such a call and rarely if ever have I seen opponents being put off or distracted by such a shout. Perhaps it can be intimidating yet attackers know that this may happen and indeed may help in their decision making about distance to the ball, chances of getting there first. I personally would not take action here for something that happens frequently. To take action requires a caution for unsporting conduct and the restart is an IDFK restart in all codes. The caution has major implications in a NFHS game.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi William,
what is said is not AS important as HOW or WHY it is uttered. To be declared as USB it must distract the opponent in a very unfair or unsporting manner. A keeper yelling 'KEEPER' is usually communicating he is coming to claim the ball and thus warning his defenders to not get in his way. The keeper may want to catch or punch or kick the ball away and as he is the usual last defender by nature of his position he is reading the entire playing level over the entire field. This SAME utterance will also be heard by the opponent and it is a stretch to think such a scream is done to unnerve the competing opponents. That said, under a rare circumstances, IF, the keeper was say to cup his hands like a mega phone and literally scream the word 'KEEPER' into the ear of an unsuspecting attacker only then is the infringement worthy of a caution show the yellow card and an INDFK restart . In my 40 plus years I have NEVER cautioned a keeper for yelling keeper. I have cautioned for Argggh screams to intimidate and for a player actually screaming his OWN name into the ear of an opponent as they both went for the ball. The idea of naming to communicate was NOT his intent as he did indeed cup his hand's and literally screamed into the ear of the opponent. I should note this infraction REQUIRES a yellow card and an INDFK restart NOT JUST an indfk restart.
Cheers