Question Number: 14963

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/8/2007

RE: school Under 14

Melissa Beach of Mobile, AL USA asks...

Goalie stops attempted goal on the ground. Attacker continues to kick the ball several times while goalie is still on the ground with it. The ball comes loose and goes into the goal. Is this legal? The ref called it a goal

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The referee can argue, convincingly, the sky is a pinkish purple too. He's wrong on both counts. Once the keeper has a hand on the ball it's off limits. Caution or send-off the attacker for his efforts.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Nope. The whistle should have blown and he should have given at least an IFK to the keepers team. Keeper cannot be challenged with possession of ball. Also, a caution should have been considered in this case.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I assume the keeper stopped the ball with his hands? If so, this is a foul on the attacker. At least playing in a dangerous manner and, more likely, kicking or attempting to kick the keeper in a careless manner. A caution is also not unreasonable.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Melissa,
if the ball is in actual contact with the arm/hand of a keeper he /she is considered in possession of that ball and the atttacker must not challenge. If the referee allowed that to occur that refere e requires further foul recognition training!

That said often a ball will be fumbled or rebound a bit away and that ball is in fact kickable by the striker to score a goal. It can look nasty but a ball that is mishandled or away from the hands and clearly not in posession even if 1/4 inch away it can be kicked.
What is slightly unclear if a keeper is covering the ball but not with his hands as say under an outstretched lag that ball could be played CAREFULLY by an opponent but PIADM or kicking or attempt to kick could figure into the mix! Under no circumstances can one kick at the keeper to MAKE the ball pop free once the keeper does have posession!
Cheers