Question Number: 33788

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/27/2019

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 33787

Ref Dawson mentioned '...a handling foul if it was being flipped about away from the body...' with regard to a jersey sleeve.

Can he please clarify how a loose jersey sleeve could create a 'Handling' foul.

Would it be if the other hand was holding the loose sleeve (and was flipping it about) and it made contact with the ball, in the same way that a foul would be called if you were to be holding an object and the object makes contact with the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
As you know referees give what they see. If a referees sees an arm raised towards the ball making contact then a handling decision will be made. Would the referee know the extent of a players arm inside a sleeve in these type of cases?
As I said these are outlier situations and what looks like a flapping sleeve is not going to be called as handling once the referee is certain it was not not deliberate and that an arm is not used.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Russell,
I look at it in the same way as a padded cast makes an arm even MORE susceptible. A LONG loose flapping shirt sleeve is an extension of that arm . It would count as a touch for possession or possible offside restrictions or a ball headed into touch for throw or a corner , thus handling is a possibility. I do not think the other hand should figure into it. Those with handicaps like to be treated as normal as possible. I think it is why asking the flapping material be contained is a fair compromise! Think too, what part of the arm is missing, tight to shoulder, just above or below the elbow, the wrist ? I have had players pull their arms up inside their jerseys or sleeves in wet or cold weather and the ends of the sleeves are counted as part of those disappearing arms. Same as if they use the jersey to carry a ball by folding the ball into it! Although I have stopped matches and reminded coaches to dress their players warmer. While there are matches entirely comprised of handicap individuals, many are determined to compete if they are able with everyone else. We should try to make that plausible when ever possible!
Cheers