Question Number: 16136

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/26/2007

RE: all Adult

Dale Langille of hemmingford, quebec canada asks...

hello,

are you allowed to play the ball while you are off your feet, either on your knees or on your back?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Of course, assuming you aren't using your hands (except for a goalkeeper inside their own penalty area) and are not creating a dangerous situation. Such a dangerous situation would be, for instance, if an opponent clearly cannot play a ball because they would risk kicking the guy on the ground, or the referee thinking this might happen. If that is the referee's decision, play is stopped and an indirect free kick is given to the opponents because the player on the ground was deemed to be playing in a dangerous manner. However, if you're by yourself (no one else is within playing distance of the ball), or you're not putting anyone in any danger (including yourself) and you head it from your knees, or kick at it while lying on you back, that's permissible. This is always a decision to be made by the referee based on the game on the field.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes provided that you do not play in a dangerous manner. Usually if an opponent hesitate to play the ball as a result, then it will be called and a IFK will be given to opponents.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Yes.

You many not play in a dangerous manner though. Only penalize for this offense if it has a negative impact on the opposing team. If you play in a dangerous manner only around your teammates the offense should be ignored. Why punish a team when they haven't created an unfair situation that affected their opponents?