Goalkeeper Offences: Rules & Penalties for Referees

Goalkeeper Offences and Penalties: A Referee's Guide

As a referee, understanding the specific rules and restrictions placed upon goalkeepers is crucial. This guide will delve into the various offences a goalkeeper can commit, the corresponding penalties, and practical scenarios to help you make accurate decisions on the field. We'll be referencing Law 12 extensively, as it covers most of these infractions.

Key Takeaways:

* Goalkeepers are subject to specific restrictions regarding handling the ball within their penalty area.

* Violations of the 'six-second rule' and handling a back pass are common offences requiring referee intervention.

* Standard disciplinary actions like yellow and red cards apply to goalkeepers for unsporting behaviour or serious foul play.

Handling the Ball: Restrictions Within the Penalty Area

The Laws of the Game grant goalkeepers certain privileges within their penalty area, primarily the ability to handle the ball. However, this privilege comes with specific limitations. Understanding these limits is essential for consistent refereeing.

The Six-Second Rule

One of the most common offences committed by goalkeepers is violating the six-second rule. Law 12 states that a goalkeeper is not permitted to keep possession of the ball in their hands for more than six seconds.

* How to Enforce: Begin counting silently once the goalkeeper has clear control of the ball with their hands. If the goalkeeper hasn't released the ball after six seconds, award an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the spot where the goalkeeper is holding the ball.

* Practical Scenario: A goalkeeper catches the ball from a cross. You begin counting. After seven seconds, the goalkeeper is still holding the ball, seemingly waiting for an opportunity to distribute. You blow your whistle and award an indirect free kick to the attacking team.

Handling a Back Pass

Goalkeepers are also restricted from handling the ball if it is deliberately kicked to them by a teammate (Law 12). This prevents time-wasting and maintains the flow of the game.

* What Constitutes a Back Pass?: A back pass occurs when a teammate deliberately uses their foot to pass the ball to the goalkeeper. A header or any other part of the body is permitted.

Exceptions: If a teammate uses their head, chest, or knee to pass the ball to the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper can* handle the ball. Also, if the goalkeeper is clearly going to be challenged for the ball and picks it up, no offence has occurred.

* Penalty: If a goalkeeper handles a deliberate kick from a teammate, award an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the spot where the goalkeeper handled the ball.

* Practical Scenario: A defender, under pressure from an attacker, deliberately kicks the ball back to their goalkeeper. The goalkeeper picks up the ball. You award an indirect free kick to the attacking team from where the goalkeeper handled the ball.

Releasing the Ball into Play

Law 12 outlines that once a goalkeeper has possession of the ball with their hands, they must release it into play. They cannot hold onto it indefinitely. While the six-second rule covers excessive holding, this aspect focuses more on the intent to play.

* What Constitutes a Release?: The goalkeeper must clearly relinquish control of the ball, either by throwing it, kicking it, or placing it on the ground.

* Penalty: If the referee deems the goalkeeper is deliberately delaying the restart of play, they can issue a caution (yellow card) for unsporting behaviour.

* Practical Scenario: A goalkeeper makes a save and then holds the ball for an extended period, looking around but making no attempt to distribute it. You caution the goalkeeper for delaying the restart of play.

Fouls and Unsporting Behaviour by Goalkeepers

Beyond the specific handling restrictions, goalkeepers are subject to the same rules regarding fouls and unsporting behaviour as any other player (Law 12).

Committing a Foul Inside the Penalty Area

If a goalkeeper commits a direct free kick offence (e.g., tripping, pushing, tackling) inside their own penalty area against an opponent, a penalty kick is awarded to the opposing team.

* Practical Scenario: A goalkeeper, attempting to win the ball, slides in and fouls an attacker inside the penalty area. You award a penalty kick to the attacking team.

Committing a Foul Outside the Penalty Area

If a goalkeeper commits a direct free kick offence outside their penalty area, the standard rules apply. A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the location of the foul. Disciplinary action (yellow or red card) may also be warranted depending on the severity of the foul.

* Practical Scenario: A goalkeeper, rushing out of their penalty area to intercept a through ball, tackles an attacker just outside the area. You award a direct free kick to the attacking team and, depending on the nature of the tackle, potentially issue a yellow or red card.

Unsporting Behaviour

Goalkeepers can also be cautioned (yellow card) for unsporting behaviour, such as delaying the restart of play, dissent, or any other action deemed inappropriate by the referee (Law 12).

* Practical Scenario: A goalkeeper persistently argues with the referee about a decision. You caution the goalkeeper for dissent.

Disciplinary Actions: Yellow and Red Cards for Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers are subject to the same disciplinary actions as any other player. Yellow cards are issued for cautions, and red cards are issued for sending-off offences (Law 12).

Yellow Card Offences

A goalkeeper can receive a yellow card for various offences, including:

* Unsporting behaviour

* Dissent by word or action

* Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game

* Delaying the restart of play

* Entering, re-entering, or deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission

Red Card Offences

A goalkeeper can be sent off (red card) for offences such as:

* Serious foul play

* Violent conduct

* Spitting at an opponent or any other person

* Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (except when the goalkeeper is within their penalty area)

* Denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent whose overall movement is towards the offender’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick (unless it was a handball)

* Using offensive, insulting, or abusive language and/or gestures

Special Consideration: Denying a Goal-Scoring Opportunity

A key consideration for goalkeepers is denying a goal-scoring opportunity. If a goalkeeper commits a foul outside their penalty area that denies a clear goal-scoring opportunity, they are usually sent off (red card). However, inside the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded, and the severity is judged on whether the foul was an attempt to play the ball or not. If an attempt was made, a yellow card is often sufficient. If no attempt was made, the red card is often given.

* Practical Scenario: A goalkeeper, outside their penalty area, deliberately handles the ball to prevent an attacker from scoring into an open goal. You send off the goalkeeper for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Common Refereeing Challenges with Goalkeepers

Refereeing goalkeepers presents unique challenges. Here are some common situations and how to handle them:

Differentiating a Deliberate Kick from a Deflection

Determining whether a pass back to the goalkeeper was a deliberate kick can be difficult. Consider the distance, the player's intent, and the force of the pass. If there's doubt, err on the side of caution and do not penalise the goalkeeper.

Judging the Six-Second Rule

Accurately timing the six-second rule requires concentration. Start counting only when the goalkeeper has clear control. Be discreet; avoid making the count obvious to the players. It's more about preventing blatant time-wasting than strict adherence to the timer.

Managing Goalkeeper Dissent

Goalkeepers, like other players, can become frustrated and express dissent. Address dissent firmly but fairly. Use preventative refereeing techniques to de-escalate situations before they warrant a yellow card.

FAQ: Goalkeeper Offences

What happens if the goalkeeper handles the ball outside the penalty area?

If a goalkeeper handles the ball outside their penalty area, they are treated like any other outfield player. If the handling is deliberate, a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team. A yellow or red card may also be issued depending on the circumstances (Law 12).

Can a goalkeeper be penalised for time-wasting in other ways besides the six-second rule?

Yes. A goalkeeper can be cautioned for unsporting behaviour if they are deliberately delaying the restart of play, even if they are not holding the ball for more than six seconds. This could include taking an excessive amount of time to take a goal kick or feigning injury (Law 12).

If a goalkeeper throws the ball directly into their own goal, is it a goal?

No. If a goalkeeper throws the ball directly into their own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team. This is because the ball must be kicked to score an own goal (Law 10).

What if the goalkeeper drops the ball and then picks it up again?

If the goalkeeper drops the ball, the ball is in play. If they pick it up again, unless it was kicked to them by a teammate, they are allowed to do so. However, they must release it within six seconds of picking it up again.

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