Question Number: 31073

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/1/2016

RE: Adult

Amanda of Worrigee, NSW Australia asks...

If the goal keeper catches the ball while it's in the field of play, then places the ball on the ground in the box do you have to stay out of the box and let them kick it? I thought that because the ball didn't go out, that placing it on the ground was letting go of control and I would be allowed to try and get the ball. The referee said I had to get away from the box and we all had to wait even though the keeper put it on the ground and took steps back as if it was a goal kick????

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

We have some rules for very-young divisions that are similar to that. But I would not expect to see that in the rules of competition for an adult match.

Under the Laws of the Game, once the goalkeeper has released the ball to the ground it's open play for all players. (That does not include simply bouncing the ball, which per the Laws is considered to still be in the goalkeeper's possession.)

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Amanda
Once the goalkeeper releases the ball to the ground the GK may be challenged for the ball both inside and outside the penalty area. In fact that is why the Law is there so that the GK is *encouraged* to get the ball back into play and what better way than not to be caught in possession.
As to your scenario all I can think of is that the ball went out of play and it was a goal kick although you doubt that happened? Sometimes GK throw the ball down to take goal kicks in a casual manner. Other than that I have no idea.
At very young age groups there can be modified competition rules in small sided games to allow players to play the ball out from the defence. Rarely though would very young players use the law to delay getting on with play.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Amanda,
Your interpretation is correct. If the goalkeeper catches the ball in general play then there is no requirement for anybody to leave the Penalty Area. Once the keeper places the ball on the ground she can be challenged. There are a number of clips online of strikers who have remained behind a keeper only to take the ball and score when they put it down!

If the game is played on a small sided pitch (such as tournaments or some small sided summer competitions) then there may be a rule modification here.

Is it possible that the ball did actually go over the goal line, you may not have realised and the keeper put it down for a goal kick? I know that can cause some confusion - you were there, not myself, so it may not be the case.