Question Number: 15357

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/2/2007

Dan of , Kasas USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15328

In a follow up to question 15328. Weather this is a foul of handling or not depends completely on where the ball left the keepers hand. As long as the keeper released the ball from his hand(s) while the ball was still in the PA, it matters not where the keeper actually kicked the ball. Just becuase the keeper and the ball are out of the area when it is actually kicked does not mean it is a foul. The question is unclear as to when the ball was released from the keepers hands.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Dan,
good spot
I agree 100% the ball must be in contact with the hands completely outside the penalty area! It is as you point out quite possible to toss the ball before stepping outside the PA to punt the ball and both keeper and ball are outside the boundry.
I did infer although the question was worded a bit wonky the questioner wanted to know if the keeper was quilty of handles the ball deliberately a DFK offence and the spot of the infraction for carrying the ball in the hands outside is in fact just a smidge outside the boundryline so the ball is not overhaning or touching the line itself. I have seen HTBD (handles the ball deliberately) violations by the keeper restarts for this infraction some 4 yards further away from the boundry lines which is not where the infraction occurs if he carries the ball outside. I do remind that a release of the ball in a keeper's punt we tend not to be too picky unless the transgression is far too obvious ie still holding the ball at the edge of the penalty arc. Generally a warning if a bit much and the same trivial latitude applies at either end of the field ! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I read this to mean he handled it outside the PA but, of course, you are correct. Matters only where ball and hands were.