Question Number: 19210

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/26/2008

RE: Competitive Under 17

Andrew Morritt of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

Quick question: In the case of a drop ball (due to injury) in the penalty area, can the goalkeeper handle the drop ball off the drop (prior to contacting any other players)?

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Andrew, the short answer is yes. I have a hard time visualizing a goalie doing this in such a way that would not constitute dangerous play (to himself) and causing an award of an IFK against him. Needless to say, the ball is not in play until it hits the ground and when it does, there are feet flying. It is true that to be a goalie the basic qualification is a tendency to be suicidal but only the deranged type of goalie would attampt to do dive at a drop ball.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Sometimes in the interests of fair play, the opponents will allow the goalkeeper to pick up the ball without interference. A referee cannot require opponents to stay away from the site of the drop, but could use her strong personality to convince them to do so.

Even in the case of a dropped ball contested by both teams, the kamikaze goalkeeper may feel the need to pounce on it. It is not dangerous play unless that potentially dangerous action by the keeper causes his opponent(s) to pull back from play to avoid harming him. At the younger ages, we referees are more protective of the players, and might call an action proactively as the players don't have enough experience to pull away from danger.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

At a dropped ball, it is in play the moment it hits the ground. Thus, being in play, it is open for any player, including the goalkeeper, to take. Is that wise? Depends, and my job as the referee is to try and ensure the safety of the players, especially at younger or less skilled ages, using the Laws of the Game and my personality. If the goalkeeper had possession of the ball when the whistle blew for the injury, I will most likely drop it right back to her. If the other team complains, I remind them it would be the same on the other end of the field.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

There is nothing unlawful about the goalkeeper touching this ball.