Question Number: 15316

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/29/2007

RE: Division # Under 15

David Crouchley of Perth, WA Australia asks...

I am aware that hand ball is hand to ball, so only intentional contact is penalised. However today when I was called on to ref a player had the ball comming up of the ground towards him and made contact while trying to lift his arm out of the way.

I didnt call it as I felt the contact was unintentional, but as the movement of the arm was intentional, should I have called it?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If in the opinion of the referee the ball was not deliberately handled then foul play is absent. Your opinion was, as stated, unintentional. Stuff happens, so does the ball hitting the hand or arm.

Regards,

Read other questions answered by Referee Chuck Fleischer

View Referee Chuck Fleischer profile

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No. The movement was AWAY from the ball not towards it. You made the right no call. This was clearly not deliberate.

Read other questions answered by Referee Keith Contarino

View Referee Keith Contarino profile

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Sounds like you made the correct call here. There is more criteria to consider than did the hand come to the ball or not. Things like...reaction time, did the player attempt to move their hand away from a ball that was coming towards hand, etc.

Read other questions answered by Referee Ben Mueller

View Referee Ben Mueller profile

Ask a Follow Up Question to Q# 15316
Read other Q & A regarding Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct

Soccer Referee Extras: Did you Ask the Ref? Find your answer here.

Enter Question Number

If you received a response regarding a submitted question enter your question number above to find the answer

Offside Question?
Offside Explained by Chuck Fleischer & Richard Dawson, Former & Current Editor of AskTheRef

This web site and the answers to these questions are not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The free opinions expressed on this site should not be considered official interpretations of the Laws of the Game and are merely opinions of AskTheRef and our panel members. If you need an official ruling you should contact your state or local representative through your club or league. On AskTheRef your questions are answered by a panel of licensed referees. See Meet The Ref for details about our panel members. While there is no charge for asking the questions, donation to maintain the site ar

e welcomed! <>