Question Number: 30174

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/4/2016

RE: Rec Under 9

Sharon Jacoby of Oakland Park, Florida Broward asks...

I have seen several goalies in an 8u rec being taught to go out of bound turn around and then stop the ball with their hands with their feet are still out of bounds. Is this legal?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sharon
Yes perfectly legal. It is coached so that the GK is square on to the ball rather than side on. Body position for GKs is essential. They need to get their body behind the ball when they can. So as long as the ball is on the field of play there is no issue as to the position of a player. Any player can be off the field of play to play a ball on the field. If the ball is off the field of play then it is a corner kick or a goal kick, nothing else.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Sharon,
it is fine, teaching kids the BALL Position is the key whether it is in or out is ALWAYS a good idea. Far better than having keepers at that age at all in my opinion. Although teaching the correct way to block balls along the ground as a keeper is essential in their development as in instilling good habits and muscle memory makes it easier as they progress to become a conditioned skill response adding to habitual quality techniques..
Cheers