Question Number: 15267

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/24/2007

RE: Adult

William Koss of Sterling, VA USA asks...

What are the distincitions between a striker fouling a keeper v. a keeper fouling a striker when they are both within playing distance of the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I'm not sure what you are asking? Neither player has any "right" to the ball if that's what you're getting at. A foul is a foul regardless of who commits it

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

William, foul play is not to be condoned. You are there to enforce the Laws of the Game should a player infringe them. If it is the keeper then the free kick is against him, if the attacker then the kick goes the other way. Your task is to sort out who was first, did that event have any effect, was it accepted, was it normal for that match and was it threatening to good order and discipline. Given those tests the referee either gets involved, in some manner, or just monitors further play.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Depends on the situation. If either player fould another player, then it should be called. No player has any more right to the ball than the other player. Referee must make this determination by being in the correct position, applything his/her knowledge to the laws.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi WIll,
only if the ball is in contact with the keeper's hands is the opponent to cease challenging. If the ball is within playing distance we do look which player is more in control as to position but a keeper is just another player up until he gets a hand on the ball then he is an untouchable player for the next 6 or so seconds.

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

See Question: 15292