Question Number: 16677

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/13/2007

RE: Rec Adult

Jim of Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands asks...

This is a several part question on golie possession:

1) The goalkeeper makes a save (either by hand, foot or body) but does not gain possession of the ball with his hands. He then dribbles the ball with his feet several yards (he is in control but not in possession).
Can he then take possession (i.e. pick up the ball)?

2) Goalkeeper has ball in possession, places ball on ground and dribbles several yards with his feet, then picks up and punts the ball. Should this be an indirect kick?

3) If the goalie is in possession, puts the ball on the ground with his hands -- foot does not touch the ball -- and picks it back up, is that allowed?

4) Forward boots the the ball all the way down to the LEFT side of the goal box but but doesn't follow up.
The keeper collects the ball with his feet, and dribbles clear across the box (40 yds) to the RIGHT side. Should he be allowed to pick it up?

Thanks,
Jim

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Jim, if the goalkeeper doesn't receive the ball directly from a teammate who kicked it to him or to a place where he could get to it, then the keeper can always pick it up with his hands. Once having picked it up, the keeper cannot release possession/control and then pick it up again, unless he wishes to have an indirect free kick awarded against him. So, in order: 1) Yes. 2) Yes, at the point where he picked it up a second time, unless that is in the goal area, in which case it will be at the top of the goal area line closest to the spot of the offense*. 3) No. Indirect free kick from point where it is picked up (see above *). 4) a. Assuming the forward is an opponent, yes, he can pick it up. b) forward on his own team, no, he cannot pick it up without committing an offense for which the restart is an indirect free kick (see above *).

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

1. Play continues -- 2. Indirect free kick -- 3. Indirect free kick -- 4. Depends on if the forward is a teammate or not.

Regards,