Question Number: 14266

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/25/2006

RE: Rec Under 11

Greg Phelps of cincinnati, Ohio usa asks...

What is concidered goalie possession? and is it defined in the rule book?
One referee call position when the goalie bends over to pick up the ball and another one the goalie has to have clear control of the ball.
I whould assume that the defination changes as the players get older.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

1 finger or hand or arm on ball that is controlled by keeper. Finger ontop of ball on ground is possession.

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Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The keeper in posession of the ball is defined in Law 12, International FA Board Decision 2:

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.

There is no need to assume this changes as players age, the Laws of the Game are the same for all.

Regards,

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