Question Number: 17625

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/3/2007

RE: Rec Under 18

tony of Orange Park, FL US asks...

I often see goalies bounce the ball on the ground several times on their way to the eighteen to punt it after they have stopped an opponents shot. My understanding of the rules is that the goalie can punt, throw or drop the ball. However after the ball leaves their hands they have to kick or drible the ball but are not allowed to touch it again with their hands.

Questions:

1) If a goalie bounces the ball and touches with his hands again is this a foul?

2) while a goalie is bouncing the ball, is it technically "In Play" after the ball leaves the goalies hands and before it returns to his hands (can an opponent attack at this point)?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

1. No. This is a long held tradition in soccer that the keeper may bounce the ball or throw it up in the air and still maintain control. This exact question was covered at FIFA's official Q&A site a few years back and nothing has changed. 2. Absolutely NOT! While bouncing tha ball the keeper may not be challenged. Thanks for the questions

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Tony ,
It is more nervous tension than any real reason for a keeper to bounce a ball but once a keeper arises to his feet with ball in hand they have 6 seconds of uninterrupted time to get to a location within their area and punt or throw the ball back into play.
NO opponent can do ANYTHING in that time to limit these options in a deliberate fashion.
As a COACH I prefer my keepers NOT to bounce the ball as the ball can react to a low flat wet spot or a bump on the ground and go askew. Same again for the ball hitting the foot by mistake. But it is not illegal for a keeper to bounce the ball and it is illegal for an opponent to try and play it if the ball is within the 6 seconds of non challenge-ability. Cheers