Question Number: 16593

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/8/2007

RE: select Adult

Hans Jablonowski of Columbus, Michigan USA asks...

If a goalie trying to make a save ends up with the ball trapped between his legs and the ground, virtually lying on the ball, can attackers kicked at the ball. Usually when this happens out in the field the person lying on the ball for more time then is needed to release a ball he is called for dangerous play if others around him are trying to get at the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Hans, you partially answered your own question. A field player is called for playing in a dangerous manner if he doesn't quickly release the ball. The same applies for the goalkeeper - except she is usually given longer to adjust her position. That's because it is a part of the goalkeeper's crazy job to fling herself into the fray, trying to smother the ball to save the goal. If she does not lie on the ball for an unreasonable amount of time, or if she twists around to get her hands on the ball, thus establishing hand possession, the opponents must not interfere with her.

Where is Columbus, MI? I've never heard of it before. I'm surprised we'd even let a city of that name exist in the state, given the Columbus in that State-to-the-South which is not to be named.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If the goalkeeper has the ball trapped, then he has possession. If he has possession, then that is the same as control. If she has control, no one else may attempt to play the ball. You do not wish to go the dangerous play routine in this type of instance.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Referees provide an extra measure of protection to goalkeepers because they must prevent the ball from entering their goal. Goalkeeper's tend to throw their body in front of the ball and opponent in an attempt to stop the ball. Sometimes they collect the ball just before an opponent arrives and though it is dangerous for this to happen it is not playing in a dangerous manner. The instant the keeper collects the ball is the instant opponents must start avoiding contact with him. We tend to take a dim view of players who do not avoid goalkeepers in possession of the ball and between the legs is possession.

An outfield player lying on the ball for an extended period of time is cautioned and shown the yellow card for unsporting behaviour, the goalkeeper is just doing his job.

Regards,