Question Number: 30831

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/28/2016

RE: Rec Under 13

Mark B of San Rafael, CA United States asks...

I center reffing a U12 boys game. The keeper would collect the ball run up to the front of the PA and punt the ball.

However, he would have his plant foot just outside the PA and would commence his punting motion.

Wouldn't this be considered handling the ball outside the PA?

Would it be correct to stop play and award an indirect free kick to the opposing team?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
The position of the foot here is irrelevant. It is the position of the ball and the hands that is key. All of the ball has to be over all of the line to be outside the penalty area. Now can a referee say for certain that the goalkeeper touched the ball with his hand/s outside the penalty area in such a motion particularly when the ball is released as part of the punt? If it so plainly obvious with no doubt then it is deliberate handling punished by a direct free kick.
My advice is to have a word with the goalkeeper to watch his lines and to let it slide. I would only punish the most blatant of such incidents and probably only with the help of an assistant referee.
One caveat. I remember a number of years ago an AR flagging for such an incident in a game involving the Arsenal goalkeeper. The referee awarded a DFK. Action replay freeze frame showed that the ball was released from the hand inside the penalty area and kicked a yard or so outside which is not an offence. Arsenal opponents did not score from the direct free kick yet I suspect the AR was marked down for his error.
Have a look at this video and tell me in real time did the coach touch the ball with his hand outside the penalty area line at any time?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWDMOFxEQuk
On the actual punt the ball was released inside the line and punted outside the line which is perfectly legal. Freeze frame it at 1.00 to view that.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

It would be considered handling the ball if the keeper was handling the ball outside the penalty area. All you've told us is where his foot is. Not where his hands are on the ball.

If it is handling, it's a direct free kick taken from where the handling occurred, just outside the penalty area. And not on the penalty area line, because the line is in the PA.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Mark,
All that matters is where the ball is when he is handling it.
Often keepers release the ball right on the line, but momentum will mean the ball and keeper are up to a yard out of the PA before the ball is actually kicked. This is perfectly legal, and doesn't mean opponents are suddenly able to block the kick of challenge the keeper. Referees need to have enough awareness to not penalise these despite the cries from opposition.
Also, you wouldn't want to penalise this unless you're absolutely certain.
If the foot is outside before he is dropping the ball then it certainly sounds like he may be carrying the ball outside the PA.
As a referee, if I see a keeper watching the line, next time he has the ball I'd call out to him to 'watch the line!' - or perhaps next time the ball is out of play and I'm down that end I'd have a quick chat with him. After all, at this young age education is part of the referee's role, especially when it seems like this is more ignorance on the player's part than anything else.

But if I'm suspicious I'd also start watching it - and I'd consider moving into a position in line with the edge of the GA to monitor the kick. If it's borderline or maybe a tiny bit over I wouldn't immediately penalise it, but if it's blatant, no choice.

But if he's pushing the line like that, then I may keep watching - and another 'just over' infringement and I'd have no choice but to blow the whistle.

Perhaps I'm a little stricter than some others - you can use your own judgement!

But if he is constantly pushing it, then at halftime I'd even have a quick talk to the coach - let him know that I'll have no choice but to penalise him, but hopefully that will help the keeper behave in a safer manner!

Bear in mind the restart is a direct free kick from just outside the PA. No card.