Question Number: 17535

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/27/2007

RE: Grade 7 Adult

Eric Boos of Ft. Lauderdale, FL US asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17453

The answers given by referees Fleischer and Mueller [17453] seem to suggest that player playing a ball with the top of the shoulder is guilty of deliberately handling the ball. However, the 2007 revision of the Advice to Referees clearly states:

"12.11 USE OF THE SHOULDER
For purposes of determining deliberate handling of the ball, the "hand" is considered to be any part of the arm-hand from fingertip to shoulder. Using the top of the shoulder is not considered as using the hand. (A diagram showing the area of "the hand" is shown below.)"

Just thought I would bring this to your attention. You do a great service for all soccer referees. Keep it up!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I'm well aware of what 12.11 states and I didn't mention anything about the top of the shoulder. The question asked if a ball played with the shoulder is a deliberately handled ball. The question didn't specify the top of the shoulder and I answered accordingly. Thanks for reading in to the question extra stuff to make the answer wrong. Appreciate it...

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

To me it seems that Ref Fleischer's answer involves use of the front of the shoulder, not the top. Ref Mueller didn't address what part of the shoulder was being used. We on the panel are very familiar with the illustration in Advice 12.11. Thanks for helping us remind the rest of our readers.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Ref Fleischer's description clearly is concerned with the front of the shoulder and Ref Mueller doesn't address it but you are correct, if a player somehow can use the top of his shoulder to play the ball it's not considered to be part of the hand. The point of the diagram in 12.11 is to emphasize that the practice of using the front and side of the shoulder to play the ball is forbidden.