Question Number: 15560

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/21/2007

RE: REC Under 19

Gene Thigpen of Killen, al usa asks...

I would like clarification on what is meant by releasing from possession? example, keeper drops the ball to kick, with the kick being the act of releasing possession, and does not like it and so he does not kick it and picks the ball up to drops it again and then kicks (releases from possession) when did he relinquish possession? so is the intent itself releasing possession? or another example which may have a different answer, keeper drops the ball and attempts to kick it to release possession by miss kicks and does not touch the ball so he picks up and drops it again and succeeds in kicking it...is there a foul? on both of these, all actions are within the box and within 6 seconds. thanks

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Goalkeepers are allowed to bounce the ball without giving up possession, as long as the ball stays inside the penalty area and the 6-second rule hasn't been violated. If this drop / attempted kick / missed / picked up can be viewed as simply bouncing the ball, referees should let the keeper do it.

If it's more than just a bounce - say the ball rolls away - the wise ref will remember the concept of trifling. Did the action make a difference in any way? Did it waste time? Did the keeper get an incredible advantage that enabled him to boot the ball 20 yards farther? Probably not. So while this is a technical infraction, it need not be called. Referees should not be playing "gotcha" games.

If the keeper flubs up, and then there's an opponent who could take advantage of that mistake, things have changed. Now the keeper is grabbing the ball away from the foot of the opponent, not just recovering from a mistake. It is no longer trifling, it changes the way the game is going. Then it should be called.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If the player drops the ball on the ground and it's obvious he is not bouncing it, then he may NOT pick it back up as he's released it from his posession

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If he drops ball, then he has released it from possession. Keepers can bounce ball or throw up into the air and catch it.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The act of kicking the ball from his hand includes all the movements necessary to accomplish it. It is one continual motion and may not be interfered with. It is a release from possession and may not be handled again until it touches another player! Ref Voshol delves into his thoughts but does not take into account the age of the player, U-19 is fairly experienced these days and he knows what the Law says. He screwed up and wants to handle the ball again, I think not.. U-8's I might tend to agree it's all a mistake and lets get on with things.

Regards,