Question Number: 30894

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/13/2016

RE: JV High School

Derek of Cary, IL USA asks...

Keeper has control of the ball with his hands at about 8 yards from the top of the PA. Opponent outside the PA is jumping and waving his arms, being a nuisance, but not impeding the keeper. He also moves with the keeper laterally. At no time does he impede the keeper's ability to release the ball from his hands, but he is obviously distracting the keeper and everyone else.

I could give him a caution for general unsporting conduct, but other than that, is there any reason why he cannot do this?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Derek
Mirroring the movement of the goalkeeper is not an issue. The opponent can be trying to restrict the GK from throwing the ball down to kick the ball off the ground.
However he cannot act in an unsporting way such as waving his arms about as described and trying to prevent the goalkeeper releasing the ball. The referee is entitled to award an IDFK for preventing release which has an IDFK restart.
I might wait to see what develops here or maybe a shout to the player to desist such as *Nine stop doing that* might be an approach. If after the first occasion with the player warned and it does not stop then the referee would be entitled go with a caution. I might go with the IDFK early if there is no advantage and have a word not to repeat although at lower age groups the kick off the ground rather than the punt can be a disadvantage.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Derek,
NFHS Rule 12-5-3 states: The goalkeeper in possession of the ball shall not be interfered with or impeded in any manner by the opponent. In my opinion, jumping and waving the arms as you describe, would be interfering or impeding. The goalkeeper is not to be deliberately hampered or distracted in the manner that you describe. In this case, the goalkeeper would be awarded an indirect kick and a verbal warning would be given to the opponent, and if done again, a caution for unsporting conduct would be appropriate. I hope that you are having a very successful high school season.