Question Number: 16698

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/15/2007

RE: Under 11

Mark Clark of Texas City, TX United States asks...

If a goalie is laying on the ground facing the players with the ball in her hands, can a offensive player kick at the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

By "offensive player" I assume you mean an opponent. Technically as soon as the goalkeeper gets control of the ball, her team is on offense.

An opponent may not try to kick the ball once the goalkeeper has established control with her hands. If the opponent does, it is either an indirect free kick for Playing In A Dangerous Manner, or a direct free kick for Attemting to Kick (an opponent).

Hmm, maybe you were right in the first place. A player attempting to kick the other goalkeeper would be quite offensive!

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

In short, NO, no one can kick at the ball if the goalkeeper has it in her hands, opponent or otherwise. A wise referee will not allow any of that kind of foolishness to go unchallenged in a game they referee. As Ref Voshol notes, it can and most likely should be punished with a direct free kick for attempting to kick (assuming they didn't actually make contact with the keeper). And depending on the age and skill of the players involved, I might even consider a caution for unsporting behavior - at the very least a tongue-lashing for causing danger where none should exist.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Nope. The keeper cannot be challenged when in possession of the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Mark ,
if the hands or arms of the keeper are in physical contact with the ball that ball CANNOT be challenged for yet if that ball rebounds away but a 1/4 of an inch or is let go momentarily that ball is free to be played. Even when a keeper is lying on a ball or between the legs we look for a reasonable effort to get up and secure before we consider such action as deterimental!
To kick away is a DF offence with caution or send off considerations!
Cheers