Question Number: 17954

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/19/2007

David Farnan of Fair Oaks, CA USA asks...

I understand from Advice to Referees protecting oneself from the ball is not considered 'deliberately' handling the ball. I was recently observing a U14B Select game. A defender in front of his own goal put his hands out about 8 inches to 1 foot in front of his face with palms out and deflected a shot that had he not been there would have been a goal. I realize this is a judgment call but it seemed the way the players put up their hands facing out and away from their body was intending to deflect rather than 'protect'. Also I saw no indication the player turned away or attempted to shield themselves in any way other than putting out their hands. This happened twice by the same team and both times the center ref ruled the player was 'protecting his face'. Is there a location for more information or what guidance can you experienced refs provide for what you would consider 'protecting'?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Your question should include the following David:

When did the hands get to where they were when contact was made with the ball?

Was this during dynamic play?

Did the player have ample chance to use other means to play the ball?

From how far away was the ball hit?

What speed was the ball moving?

Did the player have a chance to get out of the way?

The bottom line is at this skill level a player is able to use his head to protect his face, not his hands or arms. I would have to watch what happened to be sure but I can hazard a guess the player[s] chose to use their hands rather than another part of the body to play the ball. In the case of denying a goal by using his hands the player should have been sent-off and a free kick or a penalty kick awarded his opponents.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

David, if you were the center and you believed this was not protective or reflexive, then you would rule otherwise. It is, as you say, a judgement call. At the age level this occurred, anything is possible. the older and more skilled they get, the more likely it is to be considered deliberate. I think you're asking the right questions. Did the player jerk his head? Did he duck? Did he move in any way to get out of the way? Did he redirect the ball after it hit his hands? Did the ball rapidly approach? Did you think the player had time to move? Did he in your opinion choose to use his hands?