Question Number: 31147

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/3/2017

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

Penalty / or not in regard to the age old debate of hand to ball / ball to hand, mixed in with the natural / unnatural position factor.

In the Sunderland v Liverpool match overnight, there was a claim for HB not given.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/video/845930563574/Sunderland-v-Liverpool

I'm not concerned if the decision is right or not as the CR position was probably not that of the angle shown, but just wanting conversation about the incident.

In this example (from the comfort of the armchair), there might be supporting evidence for both sides of the question.

I feel that if I was the CR and had the same angle of view as shown, I'd probably dismiss the hand to ball aspect saying it was not conclusive enough, however, I'd certainly be wobbling about the un natural position aspect and award a penalty.

It is as if the player has made himself bigger, but tried to do his best not to move the arm so as to remove the hand to ball aspect. However, i doing so, I think there is deliberate thought to making himself bigger, and therefore 'un-natural'.

BTW, where in the LOTG does it refer to not allowing one self to make one self bigger etc..

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
His arm is much too far away from his body and as a result he has made himself significantly bigger which for me is deliberate hand ball. Add in the fact that the ball has come 10 yards means that the player had time to avoid the ball hitting his arm. Players just cannot have their arms in such a position stopping the ball going towards goal and not expect the strong possibility of deliberate handling.
So for me the call was correct.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Russell,
the LOTG only say a player cannot handle the ball deliberately. You are correct, the interpretative aspect of just what it means creates much debate and controversy. Most associations put out a guideline for their referees outlining points to consider to arrive at a decision. As I have often said the measure of doubt is my own gut telling me is what I am seeing created by the deliberate action of the player or simply the ball on the move? Arms are attached to the body, players ARE aware the arms CANNOT be used to play the ball so it is incumbent upon them to have some awareness of what those arms are doing. We can allow for arms extended in a turn for balance or in facing away but if you are facing into the ball path and try to defend arms out ONLY as balance especially if in a stationary defensive position most likely a referee will see that as a deliberate pose not a reaction to evolving play. Just as we do not permit linked arms in the wall or raised above the head on a free kick the stance to force a pass or make an opponent go around or over you is looked at in a similar fashion.
Cheers