Question Number: 27737

Law 5 - The Referee 9/7/2013

RE: Competitive Under 17

John Edwards of Indianapolis, IN USA asks...

I was walking by a field last season and saw this scenario and would like some opinions. White team is ahead 2-1, less than 3 minutes remaining. A poor shot by Blue team is going wide of the goal. The White GK runs to the ball and stops it with his feet (inside his box) - clearly to kill some clock. So far so good. When White GK gets no immediate pressure from Blue forcing him to play it with his hands, the GK sits on the ground next to the ball. After about 20 seconds, and some verbal encouragement from their coach, Blue forward runs in to challenge. About two paces before arriving the White grabs the ball, stands, runs to the top of the 18 and punts the ball.

I have discussed this with some other refs and opinions vary:
a) No offense. Play on.
b) Yellow card to White Gk for USB for taunting. Issue at the next stoppage of play.
c) IDFK to Blue for White GK's Dangerous Play.

I look forward to hearing from all.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Can't justify C as the Blue player is not disadvantaged. Whether or not the referee will see this as taunting will depend on the keeper's attitude while sitting. In general, the keeper should remain standing. Some referees will punish the keeper merely for sitting down. Others will give the keeper a verbal warning and others will do nothing and allow play to continue. All depends upon the opinion of the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If Blue chooses not to make a play for the ball, that's their problem. The goalkeeper is using up time legally, not wasting it.

But when the keeper sits down, that at least shows a lack of respect for the opponents and could be viewed as taunting them. It needs to be addressed, before it frustrates Blue and they strike out. It could be simply telling the goalkeeper to get up, or it could be a caution for unsporting behavior. It depends on the tone of the game.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

There's definitely nothing dangerous here. It could be seen as taunting, but if you're going to go down this path then you should be able to verbally manage the situation. Tell the keeper to get up or he's going in the book, and there's his warning. If not, then a quick word afterwards should help manage it.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
The Laws do not cover all eventualities and this is a pretty rare situation but one that does happen from time to time. The goalkeeper had he stood there with the ball at his feet would have been perefectly entitled to do so. Lying down on the ground was disrespectful to the opponents and something that the referee would be perfectly entitled to deal with. The fact that the opponents chose not to challenge the goalkeeper in also a factor here.
There would be a number of options available here to the referee
1. Tell the goalkeeper to get up and see what his response is.
2. Stop the game to see the reason for the goalkeeper is on the ground. Restart with a dropped ball which will no doubt be contested.
3. Caution the goalkeeper for USB and restart with an IDFK. As regards PIADM it could only be that offence if the player was lying on the ball preventing an opponent from playing it. At one time the Q&As suggested that it was a caution and an IDFK for lying on the ball for a lengthy period.
I have also seen these situations where the referee has ignored same and simply allowed play to continue probably based on the fact that the opponents in a way allowed it to happen.
I personally would not allow it and my decision on how to deal with it would be based on the mood, level etc. of the game.