Question Number: 15068

Law 11 - Offside 3/29/2007

RE: Competitive Under 13

Jim Adam of Lenexa, KS asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15050

In follow up to 15050, this question regarding 'control' by the keeper - if rather than a rebound, what if the keeper deliberately punched the ball out? Last weekend I had an attacker in an offside position at the moment of his teammate's shot. The keeper might have tried to catch it, but chose to punch it instead. The ball fell at the offside attacker's feet, and he kicked it in.
I kept the flag down and sprinted back up the line, because I decided the punch was no different than a foot volley, which I'd warrant as pass - not a rebound - about every time. The fact that it was errant didn't turn it into a rebound. Fair?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jim,
as an opinion you made the call, as a match condition it is FAIR as it would apply to both teams!
Things to consider? Was it a one handed or two fisted? Was there players blocking? I considered a two fisted punch out to reset offside criteria as a controlled possession and control ONLY if I belived that that ball was easily catchable. Whether we see a parry as opposed to a save need to see it to judge accurately! I think if you would penalize the keeper for a second touch after he punched then offside criteria are reset.
Admittedly a rebound, mis-kick, mis-punch or deflection I tend to apply rather evenly as non controled possession so while I might disagree in principle, you were there, I was not, so goal!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

As a goalkeeper I would punch a ball as a deliberate action to prevent it entering the goal or passing me when that was the only way I could play the ball.

I definitely played the ball, in my mind, even if it didn't go where I wanted. This is not a deflection and in today's game I could not use my hands again, without penalty, unless the ball has touched another player. This can be classified as a parry. I believe you allowing an offside position opponent to play the ball was correct under Law 11.

Regards,