Question Number: 15447

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/10/2007

RE: rep Under 16

mary daly of gosford, nsw australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15430

What are the rules for a one on one situation between a keeper and a striker. For instance if the keeper comes out and makes the save (the keeper is on the ground) and the striker continues on to kick and stud the player in an obviously late tackle which results in a kick in the face and studs up the legs. Should the result be a drop ball when the keeper gets up to play on or are there rules in place to protect the keeper.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the attacker fouls the keeper, the call should be made. Kicking an opponent is a foul if done carelessly, recklessly or with excessive force. The keeper's team will get a direct free kick outbound for a foul. Misconduct would be considered for reckless or excessive challenges.

Having said that, sometimes collisions happen. If the keeper is injured without a foul occuring, and play must be stopped to tend to him, the correct restart is a dropped ball.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Both players have an equal chance to play any ball, right up till the time either the keeper or the attacker has played it away or have a hand on it. At that point both are obligated to avoid collision. If neither try to avoid or one does and not the other, the referee might see foul play. If both try to avoid and there is an accidental meeting of the minds it isn't foul play.

Regards,