Question Number: 16908

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/26/2007

RE: Rec Under 13

Mark of Elkins, WV US asks...

If a defensive player falls down in the goalie box and the ball accidentally makes contact with his arm is it a handball? We were told in our referree class that it had to be "hand to ball" not "ball to hand" for it to be a handball. Thank you for your assistance.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

You said the arm touched the ball accidentally. The law says in order for this to be a foul it must be "deliberate". An accident is not a deliberate action and thus not a foul.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Mark, please repeat what Ref Montanino said over and over. Accidental contact between a player's arm and the ball is not an offense under Law 12. It is nothing, nada, zilch and deserves no whistle. This is one call that is made in error by so many referees so much of the time - don't be one of those! A ball that is handled deliberately will almost scream OFFENSE! at you, and you'll know to whistle those. As you gain skill and experience, and do higher level games, you will see this is true and can spot the sneaky handling that goes on then.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Deliberately handles the ball is a ton different than accidentally having the ball strike you. This is especially true when everyone on the touchline screams "handball" every time the ball strikes a hand or arm. There are many matches in which the referee is unable to blow his whistle because a player "deliberately handles the ball".

A long time ago a youth league published a tongue-in-cheek letter saying FIFA had prohibited any referee from whistling for handball! The letter said this prohibition took effect immediately and would not be revoked. It went on to say that the referee could intervene if a player handled the ball deliberately [except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area]. All clubs should publish letters like this because, even though they have no basis in fact they are quite true AND parents might believe them and let the referee do his job... might..

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Mark. Try to refrain from using the term "handball". It is and always has been deliberately handling the ball and yes, they told you correctly. WHen the ball inadvertantly hits the arm or hand as you describe during the normal course of play and you do not have your arms stuck out inviting a hit, then it is not a foul. I will caution you that if you referee youth soccer you are going to hear players/coaches/parents yelling "handball" throughout every game. Ignore them and only punish what you deem to be a deliberate action.