Question Number: 24050

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/1/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Peter of Stockton, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24023

Hi

In one of our U12G games we had an opposing keeper who would not punt the ball. Instead, she would place the ball on the ground, take about ten steps backwards, and then run and kick the ball.

To my understanding, once the goalie has placed the ball on the ground and walked back, the ball is free (note this is not a free kick) and I can have my players run for the 'free ball'. Is this correct?

Also, (trying to get two question in for the price of one ;-) ) if the goalie does punt the ball and it is stopped by an opposing player close at hand, is that interfering with the goalie, or does the goalie have to refuse to release the ball due an opposing player being close at hand and in front of the goalie for the referee to make this call? I have often told one of my players to stand about 5 yards from the keeper, looking for the fluffed punt that does happen so often at this level. I also instruct my player not to follow the goalie from side to side but to just be 'in the area'.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Peter
Once the GK places/throws the ball on to the ground it is free to be challenged for by an opponent. What you describe is quite unusual for U 13 as GKs prefer to punt rather than kick off the ground.
Now for the second part. It is a matter of opinion as to whether the close 'presence' of the opponent prevented the release of the punt/throw or whether it was an interception on a fluff/fumble. It will largely depend on circumstances. In general though I think that it will have to be clearly shown to be a fumble/miskick/interception for the referee to allow play to continue. Any doubt would IMO be given in favour of the GK.
By the way coaching this is of little benefit to players as they progress. GKs rarely give opportunities to players at older age groups on punts and the focus should be on coaching transition to defending and 'picking up' opponent plus positioning for subsequent play when possession is regained.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I saw this in a younger game, maybe U8 or U9, where the keeper would simply put the ball down. And I've had coaches calling out for subs when the keeper makes a save and holds the ball. So there is some confusion or ignorance out there.

Yes, if the keeper voluntarily puts the ball on the ground, she has given up control of it and the other team can go for it. What's worse, if she rethinks her decision and picks it up again, she gets an indirect free kick against her.

As for interfering with a punt, if your player moves at or with the goalkeeper it can be considered interfering. If the keeper moves toward where your player happens to be standing, it isn't. You might win a few interceptions with your tactics, but you might get a few calls against your players too if referees interpret it as interference. I understand fluffed punts at this age level, and the desire to take advantage of it. But in a year or two the players will grow out of it. You may get better results focusing your coaching attention on more worthy aspects of the game.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

There is no minimum distance beyond which an opponent may interfere with the keeper's release of the ball. But, the infringement is interfering with the release. If your player stands still (and do not shadow the keeper's movements) five yards from the PA, few referees should conclude that there has been interference with the keeper's ability to release the ball. The keeper can always move a few steps to the left or right to punt the ball.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 24960