Question Number: 17934

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/16/2007

RE: Under 15

Alexander of Kursk, Russia asks...

The goalkeeper throw the ball to defender, and the defender heads it back. This repeats again and again... What action, if any, does the referee take? If such "game" considered as time wasting, who should be punished and how? Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

That is legal, as long as the players are far enough apart that the opponents could intervene if they desired. The opponents choose to let the keeper and defender use up the time like this, or choose to challenge for the ball. It's that simple. I'd expect the fans to express their displeasure - boos in the US, whistles in Europe.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Actions such as this are permitted under the Laws of the Game because the ball is there to be played by the opponents and time is being used, not wasted. A wise referee will move to be near the festivities because sooner or later an opponent is going to force them to get on with things. This action can take place entirely within a player's own penalty area as well.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Not much different here than a keeper putting a ball to his feet after the opponents withdraw for a punt. Intervention by an opponent will eventually make this tactic go away.
Some referees may argue this is a circumvent of the laws and we would simply disagree.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

This is OK. As my colleagues stated, the opponents could intervene at some point.