Question Number: 16988

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/30/2007

RE: High School

meg of signal, usa asks...

After making a save can the keeper (while they are in the box) put the ball under their jersey and hold their jersey against their body and then run down the field and score a goal? will you get a yellow or red card for this?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Yes the keeper may do this, but only twice in the same match. This is because there are going to be two cautions for unsporting behavior and then a sending-off for a sceond caution in the same match.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No they may not. This has been tried many times and while funny, is not allowed. This is misconduct and punishable by an indirect free kick for the opponents

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Yellow card to the keeper for unsporting behavior. Indirect free kick from the spot where he put it under his shirt, unless he foolishly did this in his own goal area, in which case the kick is from the top of the goal area line closest to where he did the dirty deed. Once the keeper leaves the penalty area, he is like any other player and may be challenged for the ball. If it is under his shirt, the only possible challenge is to kick or charge it loose and that is dangerous play caused by the goalkeeper's shenanigans. That is why it is considered unsporting behavior. A player cannot use unlawful means to prevent the other team from playing the ball, and putting it under the shirt is an unlawful means.