Question Number: 20467

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/8/2008

RE: Competative Under 19

Gene Whelan of Athens, GA USA asks...

The keeper gathered a ball in and had clear possession on the 8. An offensive player ran into the keeper's hands, after he had clear possession, dislodging the ball and taking it in for a score. The Center allowed the goal, as he noted that 'incidental' contact with the keeper (to dislodge the ball) is allowed after the keeper gets possession of the ball. As an AR, I was about to flag the 'foul' but followed pre-game instructions. The explanation provided to the keeper and coach by the Center at the end of the match was that 'incidental' contact with the keeper in possession of the ball was allowed, it was 'one of the rules of the game,' and that it was the keeper's fault for not securing the ball better. But, I was under the impression that contact with the keeper, after they obtain clear possession of the ball, was illegal at all match levels, especially if it results in loss of possession or a goal. I recognize that you do not have to call 'incidental' contact in all cases. Because this was a National Referee, it caught my attention, and I am now somewhat confused, as I thought I understood the rules. Could you please clarify this? Maybe there is a perspective that I do not understand or I am unaware of.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

I think you understand fine as to this national referee he is simply wrong. I would like to see him explain this position he has taken at the next recert he will not be national for too long.
A keeper can NOT be challenged by an opponent even accidentally once he has ball possession in his hands period.
If the keeper has the ball in his hands and it is knocked free because of the attacker colliding with him, there certainly may be no cautionable or send off misconduct in the action given it was unintended and there was avoidance procedures, trying to miss him but it is it is at minimum an indfk out for interfering with the release if not a dfk for a charge or pushing etc.... The foul has nothing to do with intention everything to do with the result.
If the keeper is at fault and he runs into the attacker and drops the ball that is a different matter. Seen it where the attacker clearly tries to avoid the keeper seeing the ball was in the keeper's hands . The keeper actually moved over and leaned into and initiated a hard shoulder follow through, did not drop the ball but was cautioned for the action and a PK awarded.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Incidental contact that does not dislodge the ball or otherwise inconvenience the goalkeeper can be labeled incidental.

However, contact that dislodges a ball from the keeper's possession is anything but incidental, and should be called.

If this National Referee was not being assessed, you might bring the situation up again at an opportune moment (without witnesses or in public) and ask for clarification.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Incidental contact can be trifling, if it has little effect on the game and doesn't annoy the opponent too much.

But in your game, it was far from trifling - it caused the keeper to drop the ball and allow a goal! Like my colleagues, I'm not sure where this referee is getting his information.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You understand perfectly. The National Referee is wrong. Contact with the keeper that dislodges the ball is NOT incidental. AT the least, the opponent has interferred with the keeper's ability to release the ball and an IFDK coming out of the penalty area would be awarded. Depending on the contacy this could be an illegal charge or push in which case a DFK comes out of the penalty area. Just curious: what's the '8'? Do you mean the '6'?