Question Number: 15156

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/10/2007

RE: Competitive Adult

Ryan Baldinger of Albuquerque, New Mexico USA asks...

When, during play, one of my teammates passes me the ball or even if the other team gives away possession and I have the ball at my feet, can I scoop or flick the ball up with my own foot and while it is in the air, head the ball and have my goalkeeper pick it up since I used my head to make the pass?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

NO.
it is SPECIFICALLY forbidden to try and circumvent the law in such a manner
Law 12 Fouls and MIsconduct Decision 3
Subject to the terms of Law 12 , a player may pass the ball to his own goalkeeper using his head or chest or knee, etc. If, however, in the opinion of the referee, a player uses a deliberate trick while the ball is in play in order to circumvent the Law, the player is guilty of unsporting behaviour. He is cautioned, shown the yellow card and an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred. * (see page 3) Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You can, but you will swiftly be cautioned and shown the yellow card for unsporting behavior for using trickery to bypass the Laws of the Game.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Ryan if you are in a US High School match there is a difference in this area. You may do this!!! If the goalkeeper has sense enough not to use his hands then there has been no infraction of the rules. If he uses his hands then you have the penalty is Indirect free kick awarded to the opponent at the spot of the violation, unless in the goal area.

Regards,

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 15166