Question Number: 16972

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/29/2007

RE: Rec Under 14

Tyler of Budd Lake, NJ United States asks...

I have a question for the referees of this website.

I happen to be a referee for my local rec league. I do not happen to be certified (yet), as it is not required, but I am very familiar with the Laws of the Game and plan on taking the certification course this Spring.

A few days ago, I refereed a very competitive 6/7/8th grade game. For the sake of modesty, I won't say I'm the best referee in the league, but that's what many people tell me. If there's one thing I was sure I knew, it was goalie possesion.

Here's the situation: An attacker breaks away, leaving the goalie and herself the only ones left. As the attacker goes to kick the ball, the goalie puts one finger on the ball. She then loses possesion as the ball is rolling. She then tries to get control of the ball by putting a finger on it, but the ball is still rolling. With that said, she DID NOT have control of the ball, as it was still rolling and she did not control the motion of the ball in any way, shape or form. The attacker then shoots, and scores.

Needless to say, the coach of the goalie was not a very happy camper, and attempted to give me a lecture on the topic of goalie possession. Of course, I warned him, and continued the game.

So, the question I have is, what constitutes goalie possession? I am well-aware of the one-finger rule, but the goalie had absolutly no control over it what-so-ever.

Thank you in advance.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Tyler,
Get certified and if you are good then you will be better and can act as a mentor for upcoming referees. Confidence is high just beware of getting too cocky too quickly. Games will arise where the mantle of best could be replaced with worst. ;o) Natural aptitude bodes well! I too entered the refereeing arena in much the same fashion!

If a keeper has the ball in contact with the arm or hand even a finger the keeper is considered as unchallangable by an opponent even as you might note it does not truly denote a 100% control. A ball lying in the crook of the arm or rolling along the arm towards the chest. Now if the ball was rolling away where NO contact was in evidence *in your opinion) and she was bobbling it with touch a bit away, touch a bit more, away. In the *away* portion such a ball is playable provided you are content with the degree of force and action used to do so.
It is a FACT keeper is a risky position as they throw themselves into the path of kicking and swinging feet to stop a ball. While we carefully consider what manner the opponent chose to participate in the challange the keeper 's safety does count when the ball is being banged away from outstretched hands
As we are fond of saying your match, your decision, your reputation
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Tyler, we hope to have folks of your growing competence within the certified ranks as quickly as possible. Please remember the referee's first job is to ensure the safety of the players. Only then can they demonstrate their skills for the enjoyment of all. The players' ages and skill levels will always influence what should be considered as safe in a game. What a World Cup player can do and be safe is way above what a 6th/7th/8th grader can do, and you need to adjust your game control level accordingly. Why do I mention this? Because a goalkeeper at the level you described is in much more danger on the ground with a finger on the ball than someone in a professional game, and as such, you must be willing to call those quickly for the safety of the players. So what if the other team loses a goal? It is far better than a GK losing an eye, getting a head injury or breaking a bone. Too many referees worry about so-called 50/50 challenges involving goalkeepers and attackers, especially at the younger and lower skill levels. Those challenges are not safe if the keeper is on the ground because the attacker rarely has the skill or experience to pull up before injuring the keeper. You, the referee, are the only thing between the players and the hospital, and in addition, your attention to this kind of matter will ALWAYS help your game control. Keep that in mind, dear, and keep working hard. We welcome you to the world of refereeing.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You probably were technically correct that the keeper did not have possession as the ball kept rolling. The problem, however, is you're dealing with young, unskilled soccer players and what you describe is a very dangerous situation for the keeper. I likewise often referee lower level games and encounter the same situation. Almost always I yell "keeper" in these situations and the attackers back off. Sometimes I stop play. You may know the Laws but your first and last responsibility is player safety. It takes time to develop an understanding of the Spirit of the Law. As you continue your referee career it would be wise to concentrate on player safety first.