Question Number: 15934

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/3/2007

RE: rec Under 14

John Mccullough of Shelton, WA Mason asks...

can a plyer kick the ball over his head and catch it on his back between his arms
and proceed to move the ball up the field

the refs has allowed several times

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This relates somewhat to your previous question. Would carrying the ball on your back - I assume without using the arms because that would be handling - constitute a dangerous condition? I would think so. This ingenious fellow has put himself into a dangerous position, and his opponents can't try for the ball and be sure they won't harm the guy. Blow the whistle for Playing In A Dangerous Manner, and award the other team an indirect free kick.

Some people might also see this as unsporting behavior and caution for it. I'd give the player the benefit of the doubt first off - but he'd better not try anything else cute!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Of course not. How can he hold the ball on his back without the use of his arms which is illegal.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

He has placed the ball in a position where it may not be played by an opponent without danger to himself. This is the same as laying on the ball for an extended period of time and that is something we consider unsporting behaviour. Coach if you teach this STOP, it you advocate it QUIT, if one of your players does it on his own substitute him until he gets it through his thick skull he can get hurt.

Regards,