Question Number: 16163

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/30/2007

RE: rec Under 14

Myriam Alize of Elmvale, Ontario Canada asks...

Can a goalie bounce the ball on the 18 yards before kicking it?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Yes. As a matter of fact, as lonf as he releases the ball from his hands without crossing the 18 yard line he may bounce the ball OUTSIDE of the 18 yard line before kicking it

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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes. The goalkeeper is considered to remain in possession of the ball while she is bouncing it or tossing it in the air. Opponents may not challenge for the ball while it remains in her possession, not even on the bounce.

Keepers used to do this to get around the old 4-step rule, which was replaced by 6-seconds 10 years ago. Back in the old days FIFA/IFAB recognized that keepers were extending their travel by bouncing the ball, so they made bouncing a part of continuous possession.

Nowdays keepers just bounce the ball out of habit or superstition. It's similar to the basketball player who bounces the ball a couple of times before taking the free-throw shot.

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Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes...that is not considered releasing it from possession.

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