Question Number: 32729

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/19/2018

RE: Rec Under 9

Kevin McKinnon of Galt, CA United States asks...

when a ball is kicked by opposing team but comes short of the penalty area. Can the goalie kick the ball into the penalty area so he can pick it up? Is that legal?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kevin
Yes that is legal and it is play on. It would only be illegal if the ball was deliberately kicked or thrown by a team mate of the goalkeeper. As the ball comes from an opponent the goalkeeper is free to play the ball outside the penalty area and to bring it back into the penalty area to pick it up.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Kevin,
It is legal for a goalkeeper to leave the penalty area and play the ball with the feet. In doing so, the keeper is free to play the ball in any direction. When the ball is inside the penalty area, the keeper is permitted to pick it up (as long as it was not deliberately kicked or thrown-in to them by a team mate). So a keeper doing what you describe is performing a series of legal actions.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Kevin,
short answer YES
Because the ball was last touched by the opposition.
So too a miskick or deflection off a team mate might permit the keeper to use his hands.

If it was deliberately kicked to him by a team mate or off a direct throw in by a team mate then NO he can not use his hands though he is free to dribble it inside his area.
Cheers