Question Number: 14867

League Specific 2/19/2007

RE: Competitive College

Doug Atkins of Naperville, IL USA asks...

Can a goalie reach over the goal box line to catch a ball in mid air? Specificly in indoor soccer where the box is much smaller.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

In outdoor traditional soccer, yes. They can handle any ball inside the penalty area. Not sure about indoor policies with this.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There is a wide variety of "house rules" out there regarding indoor soccer, so you should check with your local facility. Most locales are not affiliated, and so have no Law standard.

In FIFA outdoor, if the ball is outside the penalty area, either on the ground or in the air, it may not be handled by the goalkeeper. If any tiny fraction of the ball overlaps the outermost edge of the line, it is considered to be in the penalty area and can be handled by the keeper.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Doug,
indoor soccer is not the same as the FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game with no boards on the side but the Q&A point out the keeper cannot use his hands outside the PA same as in 11 aside outdoo. No reason to think your league is different but check all local laws !
FIFA FUTSAL Q&A 15. A goalkeeper standing inside his own penalty area deliberately handles the ball outside the penalty area. What action shall the referees take?
They shall award a direct free kick to the opposing team. If, in the
opinion of the referees, the goalkeeper is also guilty of unsporting
behaviour or of denying an opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity, they shall apply further appropriate sanctions. Cheers