Question Number: 14346

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/2/2006

RE: Select Coach Under 13

Mark Mayes of Sacramento, California US asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14266

Mr Mueller's response seems appears a bit off the point to me. His explanation appears to incorrectly introduces some type modifier to concept of "control" by a keeper as if there is something in addition to touch that establishes control. By the law and the subsequent FIFA decision Touch is control. Having carried our 11 year old keeper off the field for the third time this season, I am on a campaign to get this Law understood and applied appropriately. Am I correct or do I need to go to decaf? I really enjoy reading all of your responses. You all are doing a great job.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Mark,
The ball must be in contact with the arm! a finger tip on the ball prevents an opponent from challenging. However a ball that is grasped or was in contact rebounds off that arm or moves away even a few inches that ball maybe challenged. It is a dangerous job to throw ones self into the feet of onrushing opponents but collisions can occur with no foul.

I refereed a u-12 girls match, keeper jumped on a loose ball but it rebounded a bit and was not in contact with the arm about 3 inches away in my view when the striker following smashed the ball deflecting off the arm into the side of her head and into the goal. The coach felt it was despicable that I allowed the goal claiming his keeper was kicked in the head. Both my AR and I had a clear view. There was NO foul It was a good goal and yes we were very sorry to see the keeper hurt and crying still it is part of the risk a keeper takes even the young ones . So I aplaude your desire to see the laws are adhered too just remember even if they are followed some times some things just happen ! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

As Mr. Dawson stated, the keeper needs to have a hand, arm, or finger tip on ball to have control. If the ball rebounds though or is not quite in possession of the keeper, then the opponents have just as much right to the ball. A lot of people do not like to hear this, but the keeper is treated like any other play other than the fact that he can use his hands deliberatly if ball is in penalty area. It is not my philosophy or intent to favor the keeper on every close call. If the keeper makes the decision to lunge his body into a loose ball and takes out the opponent in an effort to do so, I am probably going to call him for a foul. If the keeper sticks out a knee to intimidate opponent...guess what? I am going to call him for a foul. If the keeper collides into an opponent as both are going for the ball, there is really no foul to call here as it was completly accidental. I realize that a lot of injuries occur to keeper, but a lot of injuries also occur to other players on the field. Sorry, but this is how I feel.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I have sent your question along to the Youth Referee Administrator in your area. He should make contact with you to help resolve this issue.

Regards,