Question Number: 16301

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/13/2007

RE: rec Under 11

Glenn of montreal, qc canada asks...

The golaie has possession of the ball and steps over the goal line, at the side of the net. In this case should a corner kick be awarded or a free kick outside the box?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Depends. Is the ball still on the field, even though it is in the goalkeeper's hands? If so, ball's still in play. If the ball in the goalkeeper's hands, is still on the field, is outside of the penalty area, then we have a direct free kick for handling outside of the area. If the ball is totally off the field with the goalkeeper, it doesn't matter where it is (unless it is in the goal), restart is a corner kick. It is the ball that determines what happens, not where the goalkeeper is when he is holding it.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

It matters where the ball is - not the feet. Also the whole ball must be over the line. If the keeper had possession of the ball and carried it over the goal line (not between posts), then it would be a corner kick.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

You did not provide enough info to answer the ? - What I need to know is where on the field was the ball just as the goalkeeper carried if off the field of play? (In or Out of the penalty area).