Question Number: 17129

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/6/2007

RE: Select Under 16

Doug of Rocklin, CA USA asks...

Goalies have a habit of bouncing the ball up and down on purpose. Is it ok for an attacker to try to kick the ball when it is in the air or on the ground, momentarily, while the goalie is bouncing it up and down?

I see goalies do this sometimes when they receive a hard shot, bouncing it with 2 hands to the ground and then catching it. I also see goalies deliberately bounce the ball when the are holding it and about to punt. They also will sometimes just toss the ball in the air a couple feet, to themselves. Is it fair play to challenge for the ball during these moments when the ball is not in the goalie's hands?

Great site, and answers, keep it up!
/Doug

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Doug,
actually no that ball is considered PROTECTED under the 6 econds of possession where the keeper is considered in control of the ball with the hands. As you know during this 6 secondst of ime that a keeper has to use his hands on the ball before releasing the ball back into play NO opponent can challange or make any motion or action to prevent this release. Bouncing is considered as still within control and thus not playable neither is the toss when they punt the ball out. Ever so briefly FIFA added some terrible legislation that countered how this law was to be interpreted. Thankfully it was removed the next year. My suggestion to all who play when the keeper has the ball in his hands the keeper should go up to his outer edge of the PA and be allowed to throw or kick the ball down field without any hassling by the opposition. This frees the referee to weigh in easier if the keeper is in fact taking too long to do so! Lets keep the game rollingalong please!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Bouncing the ball and throwing it into the air is considered possession and opponents may not interfere with the keeper. After the six seconds has elapsed the referee may interfere on behalf of the keeper's opponents. No one else is permitted to prevent the keeper from releasing the ball from his hands. The referee will usually tell the keeper to get on with it before stopping play.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

No, it is not okay - it is not fair play, and if it happens you should and must discipline the player guilty of this folly with the award of an indirect free kick for the goalkeeper's team and possibly a caution. My colleagues have given you all the appropriate reasons above.