Question Number: 31822

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/24/2017

RE: Comp Under 13

Scott of San ramon, Ca Usa asks...

If a goal keeper throws the ball as a deliberate pass, can they touch the ball again either in the box or outside the box with their feet without the ball being touched by another player? I'm not talking about dropping the ball to their feet but throwing the ball 12-15 feet upfield

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

The restrictions on the keeper playing the ball only apply to the hands - that is, once the keeper releases the ball from their hands they cannot handle it again. It's perfectly legal to play it with another body part. This would be no different to a keeper simply dropping the ball to control the ball with their feet and playing it out with their leisure.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Scott,
Yes, the goalkeeper can play the ball again with their feet (just not with the hands). There is no restriction on the goalkeeper playing the ball with their feet during the course of normal play.

Although it would be a slightly unusual scenario, if the goalkeeper were to throw the ball (from inside the area) and were then able to catch up to the ball outside the area before any other player, it wouldn't matter how far the ball had gone, it would still be OK for the keeper to kick the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
The goalkeeper is like any other player with the exception that he can use his hands inside the penalty area. There are restrictions on the goalkeeper as to when he can use his hands never his feet.
So a goalkeeper will never ever be penalised for using his feet ever after throwing the ball away either a few feet or many yards.