Question Number: 17366

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/17/2007

Wayne Hicks of Danville, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16690

Mr. Fleischer's comment with repsect to a second touch [16690] only being on a restart is incorrect. If you read Law 12 and the Advice to Referees 12.19 there is no requirement that the second touch be on a restart. To the contrary, 12.19 states "after relinquishing control of the ball" and makes no indication that there be a restart involved.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I won't speak for Ref Fleischer but I believe he was referring to second touches in general not concerning the keeper. That is second touches with the HAND only involve the keeper and only during dynamic play. All other second touches are at restarts and all involve the foot because if the player used the hand it would be deliberately handling the ball which is a more serious direct kick offense. Yes, technically it would be a "second touch" but the commission of a DFK offense overrides the IFK offense.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

ATR 12.19 SECOND TOUCH BY THE GOALKEEPER discusses ONLY a second touch by the goalkeeper with his or her hands after releasing it into play. It specifically addresses the point another player must touch the ball before the keeper is permitted to touch the ball again with his or her hands. The referenced question indicated a keeper was penalized for touching the ball with his or her FOOT after releasing it from her hands in to play. This is an incorrect application of Law. Here play should be allowed to continue.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There are two kinds of second-touch offenses.

AtR 12.19 is discussing one, which can be committed only by the goalkeeper. She may not touch the ball a second time with her hands after she releases it, until it is touched by another player.

The other kind of second touch is when a player takes a restart, any kind of kick or a throw-in. That player is not allowed to touch the ball a second time in any manner until it touches another player.