Question Number: 19032

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/8/2008

RE: Comp. Adult

Curt of Edmonton, Alberta Canada asks...

Hi Ref's

I am having trouble finding up to date information on rules affecting the goalkeeper. My last year of competitive soccer was in 2001, just want to brush up with my rulings before I start playing again.

1.) If a player passed the ball directly and intentionally back to the goalkeeper, and the goalkeeper picks the ball up is the call still an indirect free kick from the spot of the infraction? Is the goalkeeper cautioned? If so what are the circumstances surrounding that.

2.) If a player throws the ball to the goalkeeper and he picks it up is it still an indirect free kick from the spot of the infraction? Is there any caution involved?

3.) Can the keeper still roam within the 18 yard box for up to 6 seconds with possession of the ball (hands)?

4.) What does "trickery" consist of when the ball is played back via head, chest, thigh to the goalkeeper? If a player lifts the ball from his foot to his head and then plays it back to the keeper is that considered "trickery"?

Thanks, Curt

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Curt, here it is: Q1. Actually goalies are allowed to pick up the ball passed back to them by their team mates. The only time it is a problem when it is “kicked” back to them by their team mates does it become a problem. If he picks up a ball kicked back to him by a team mate, it is an IFK form where he picked it up (*except for special circumstances of Law 8). No caution, just a technical foul. Q2. If a team mate throws the ball back to the goalie from a TI and the goalie picks it up, it is the same punishment as in first question. Q3. Yes, he can roam for six full seconds. Q4. Yes, you nailed the trickery part. That is exactly what they are talking about.

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