Question Number: 31594

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/10/2017

Zluvka of Liberec, Czech Republic Czech Republic asks...

Hi,
the player processes the ball with his chest and the front of his shoulder at the same time (part of the ball with chest and part of the ball with the front of the shoulder). Is it an offense?

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Zluvka,
It's a bit difficult to judge a potential offence without seeing it but from the way you describe it, for me that would most probably not be an offence.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Zluvka,
The bony part of the shoulder is not considered part of the arm, thus it can legally be used to play the ball. As a demonstration, hold your arm back but push your shoulder forwards. That whole bony part that remains forwards can be used to play the ball. If the ball is caught by the shoulder and the bicep then, assuming the overall action is considered deliberate, this is a foul.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Zluvka
When referees evaluate deliberate handling we look to ascertain whether the ball has been moved by the hand or arm. The arm is defined as from the tips of the fingers right up the shoulder. The top of the shoulder is not considered part of the arm for handling purposes. The best way to look at this is from the seam of a shirt downwards to the fingers.