Question Number: 14052

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 10/5/2006

RE: competive Under 11

Michelle of durand, michigan USA asks...

When is the ball dead within the goalie box? When the goalie is going for the ball to make a stop or as soon as the goalie touches the ball? If the goalie is in motion to make a stop can you still attempt to kick it in?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The ball is in play until it crosses a field boundary or the referee has stopped play for any reason. The ball remains in play at all other times, including those when there has been a supposed foul and the referee has not yet stopped play.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I think you are asking. "when does the keeper have control of the ball?". Here is IFAB Law 12 Decision 2. This is from the people that write the Laws of The Game.

The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save.

So, the keeper, if he pins the ball to the ground with even just one finger is said to have control of the ball and may not be challenged. The ball is still in play while the keeper is "going for it" as you state and any other player may legally challenge him for the ball until he controls it. Of course, the referee has to watch closely and see if the keeper gives up control by bobbling or releasing the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Michelle,
the goal area is the 6 yard boundry out in front of the goal posts which is part of the 18 yard penalty area which surrounds both. A keeper is allowed to use his hands within those areas. Once his hands are arms are in contact with the ball that ball is not to be kicked at by the opponent. My colleague supplied you with the printed version of the law 12 decision it uses the word TOUCH not hold or pinned or grasped. A ball in the crook of the arm a finger tip on top of the ball and that ball cannot be played. BUT if that ball touches the arm and then bounces away in a bobble ever so slightly then that ball is available to be kicked at by the opponent with the provision it is not done in a manner which disreguards the keepers saftey. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The ball is never dead unless it leaves the field or referee stops play. Keepers with control of ball cannot be challenged. Control means at least 1 hand or arm on ball. Keepers have no more right to a loose ball than an attacker though.