Question Number: 32630

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/6/2018

RE: mens league and co-ed Adult

bill odell of beaumont, ca. riverside asks...

attacker takes shot inside the 18 - defender jumps up with back turned towards the attacker but with arms raised above head - blocks ball with arms, i blow my whistle for hand ball but by the time i got whistle blown ball had entered the goal. i had them take the PK because i told myself there was a foul committed before the ball entered. Was i correct or wrong by having them take the PK

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bill
Yes you were correct. As you stopped play for the award of a penalty kick before the ball crossed the goal line the only decision was a penalty kick.
Unfortunately the handling denied a goal so the defender should have been sent off for denying a goal by deliberately handling the ball!
It is for such reasons that the referee should adopt a wait and see approach and then play advantage or not as appropriate. Had you delayed your whistle a second or so here a goal could have been awarded and the player only cautioned for his failed attempt to stop the goal with his hand.
In addition there is also the possibility that a penalty kick can be missed. The attacking team would then be none too pleased having a goal chalked off.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Bill,
in cases where you blow the whistle to stop play rather then WAIT to see if the ball advantageously winds up in the back of the net you have created a must have PK and a red card shown to the player deliberately handling the ball reducing his team by a player.

WE encourage a wait and see advantage moment in these cases rather than a quick whistle.

If you permit the PK the defender MUST be sent off! Thus a haphazard stressed referee does not permit the PK. I have seen the goal awarded and the player cautioned restart kick off in these situations as a get out of jail free card by the referee unconcerned his on field marks go into the toilet thinking it best for the game.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Bill,
Once the referee has blown the whistle, play is considered to be stopped. Since you blew the whistle before the ball crossed the line, you are correct to go with a penalty rather than a goal. As my colleagues have mentioned, if you find yourself in a similar situation in future you should try to delay the whistle slightly so you can play the advantage if it occurs.