Question Number: 30207

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/20/2016

RE: Observer Adult

Michael of Indianapolis, IN USA asks...

Watching a match recently I observed where a Striker attempts a goal within the penalty area and the defenders appear to turn their bodies away from the shot, as opposed to making an attempt to block the shot. Are the adverse consequences if the defenders are hit on the arm or hand, as opposed to the body, by the ball when in the penalty zone? What about the attackers in the penalty zone?

Thanks! M Puckett

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Michael,
Among other things, referees need to consider the position of the arm in determining whether deliberate handling has occurred. In essence, was the arm in a natural position or not?

If the back is turned with the arms tucked into the side of the body, then it's a natural position, thus accidental. If the back is turned and the arms are out from the side of the body then it's an unnatural position, so even without seeing the ball it's likely to be deliberate handling.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Michael
For handling to be called it must be deliberate. Now players that turn their back do not know for certain where the ball is going so there is a question mark over the deliberate element of any contact. The reason I say a question mark is that when players has their arms in an unnatural position, making themselves bigger then the referee may deem that to be a deliberate handling action even if the player may not know where the ball is going. My view is that I rarely give handling when the ball strikes a player with his back turned and his arms by his side unless there is a deliberate attempt to stop the ball at all cost with raised and /or outstretched arms. In this example the player dies not make herself bigger and it is not deliberate.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CUASGLxFPoY&t=1m39s
Another referee may have a lower threshold of what is deliberate.
When you asked the question this incident came to mind. Have a look at this
https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=2m50s&v=YOsbmyy2Ynk
Should this have been a penalty? Many including myself believe yes as the player had his arms raised making himself bigger. It caused quite a stir at the time, along with six other decision in the game. as it was a huge decision in the game context so near the end. The referee did not give it and he deemed that it was not a deliberate action. I think even Yellow 9 thought it was a penalty as he looked yo the referee after the player struck his raised arm.
On your comment about attackers in the area I would assume you mean does the same criteria apply and the answer is yes. An attacker trying to block a defending clearance in the same manner would be treated similarly.