Question Number: 15555

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/21/2007

RE: travel Under 13

Jason Fadell of Toledo, Ohio U.S.A. asks...

we had a u-12 game where the defender traped the ball with his foot in the pentaly area then moved aside so the goalkeeper could pick it up. would you call that as a pass to the keeper.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I'd say the goalkeeper handled the ball after it had last been kicked by his teammate. Advice to Referees ( http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/AdvicetoRef06.pdf ) section 12.20 says kicked means played with the foot, and to the keeper means to a place where the keeper can get it. However, the second paragraph of that section says that we are not to punish players who are playing within the Spirit of the Game. In other words, did it look unfair?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I'd have to see it, but I suspect I might be able to answer this either way. It depends on the context of the play. In other words - you had to be there.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Since there's no such foul as a "pass to the keeper" I wouldn't. The player has, however, clearly played the ball with his foot which is equal to deliberately kicking the ball and left it where the keeper could get it. Hence, this is deliberately kicking the ball to his keeper and the keeper may NOT subsequently handle the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Probably! The ball came from a defenders foot and it was deliberatly played to the keeper. I would need to see it to decide for sure though.