Question Number: 15626

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/28/2007

RE: travel Under 11

bill todd of buffalo, ny usa asks...

What constitutes a goalie's possession of the ball?

If the goalie is on the ground and only touching the ball with the tips of his fingers (or even all of one hand), can the offensive player strike the ball in and score a goal?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

one finger is all it takes

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

One finger on top of ball in keepers control.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Bill,
if the ball is stationary with a keeper's hand or finger on top of the ball before an opponent has initiated play it is a DFK offence.
Where we have issues is an opponent's attempt to play the ball could be initatied before such contact occurs and it is difficult to to see the control and possession by the keeper as the foot or body arrive to force a ball towards the goal. We must reasonably expect an opponent to pull out of a challenge when we see the keeper DOES have control and possession of the ball. If momentume is in full swing we could see a colision as unavoidable but the manner of all challenges we still consider the safety of the participants. A keeper is in a risky position bending down and jumping into the feet of oncoming opponents so when we see the possession we need to see the opponents pull away as best they can!
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 15664