Question Number: 687

RE: Travel or Classic Under 12

Dave Erwin of Newington, CT US of A asks...

In a youth game, the keeper becomes injured and is unable to play the ball. As a result, she holds onto the ball and is obviously in need of attention. The whistle is blown to stop play for the injury. After a breif period, the keeper is ready to play and the restart is a drop ball in the penalty area. The keeper kneels down and places her hands directly on the ground under where I am about to do the drop ball. It is obvious she intends to catch the ball as it hits the ground. An opponent is in position to kick the ball as soon as it hits the ground. What if anything, can or should a referee in this situation do before the drop ball in an effort to be both fair and safe?

Answer provided by Referee stewart

Situations like this are rare but can be very frustrating when they do. Legally the goalkeeper can take part as you described, but it may be advisable to have a word with both players. I would be disappointed in a team?s attitude that did not allow the goalkeeper to retain possession by even kicking the ball out for a goal kick, but as referees we cannot demand that they do this. They may feel that the goalkeeper was simulating injury to gain an advantage and therefore the ball is up for grabs. Some referees may disallow it on the grounds of dangerous play by the goalkeeper, but is it any different from diving at players feet during open play? Would a coach or parent be happy to see a youngster take part in a dropped ball in this manner? I personally would not like to see my goalkeeper endanger herself in such a manner and possibly leave the goal open to her opponents if the ball is not won. It?s a difficult one to deal with but it is a play I would personally allow if all advice has fallen on deaf ears. Thankfully 99% of players would do the sporting thing.

Answer provided by Referee miller

Please remember the most important of all the Laws; Law 18 - Common Sense. There is no provision in the Laws as to how many players, and from which teams, may participate in a dropped ball. In the interest of both safety and fairness, tell the attacker, in no uncertain terms, to back off, and then you drop the ball to the keeper alone. If the attackers, or their coach, try to give you a hard time about this it's time for you to reassert your control of the game.

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