Question Number: 17104

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/5/2007

RE: Rec Under 13

Jeff of Pittsburgh, PA USA asks...

Can a keeper field an overshot forward feed from an opposing player outside the box with his feet, dribble back into the box, then pick it up?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the ball gets to the keeper in any manner other than a deliberate kick from a teammate or a throw-in from a teammate, she may pick the ball up when it is inside the penalty area. If she uses her feet to get the ball into the PA, that's perfectly fine.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The ball was last touched by the opponent. There is never any problem with the action you're describing in these cases. It is always permitted.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Look at paragraph 12.21 of Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game, 2007. The US Soccer publication is available at ussoccer.com.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jeff,
A Ok!
The ball was not first kicked deliberately to the keeper by a team-mate or directly thrown in to the keeper by a team-mate. The keeper is not restricted in the use of his hands afforded to him within the penalty area because none of the 4 restrictions are in effect!

LAW 12 Fouls and Misconduct
Indirect Free Kick
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offences:

takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his possession

touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player

touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate

touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 17202