Question Number: 31226

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/4/2017

RE: Select Under 13

Glen B of Raleigh, NC USA asks...

Is a keeper punting considered the same as a keeper drop kicking the ball? For instance, once the ball is dropped by the keeper in the motion of kicking does the ball become playable or is it un-contestable like the punt?

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Glen,
Yes it is the same. Whether the keeper tosses the ball up to kick it or drop-kicks it, the opponent is still not allowed to challenge for the ball when the keeper is in the process of releasing it.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Glen ,
the keeper is granted 6 seconds of uncontested possession and is not to be bothered . This was done to prevent injury and get the game flowing in a reasonable manner. I still see opponents milling about trying to pretend they are not doing anything when in fact they are affecting the release. Referees should take a literal view of this law and remember why it was introduced!
I have seen several incidents where the opponent manages to block or affect the release yet have the referee side with him that it was the keeper's fault. 99.9% of the time it is NOT!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Glen
A drop kick is a form of a punt not a ground kick. As an result an opponent may not challenge in the goalkeeper while in possession which includes releasing the ball. The motion of throw and kick is all the one action which is the same as a regular punt.
So a player may shadow the goalkeeper from a distance to ensure the goalkeeper kicks or throws the ball away once released from possession. However the player may not get in the way of the kick or challenge in any way. At younger age groups throwing to ground rarely if ever happens so shadowing does not happen for that reason and must be watched closely by the referee