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Law 12

Handball Rules Quiz

Test your knowledge of the handball law in football. Cover what constitutes a handball offence, natural versus unnatural arm positions, the goal-scoring exception, and VAR handball reviews.

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RefereeGPT generates AI-powered questions on handball with instant explanations sourced from the official Laws of the Game.

Topics Covered

1Natural versus unnatural arm position
2Deliberate handball
3Handball in the build-up to a goal
4Goalkeeper handball restrictions
5VAR and handball decisions
6Accidental handball by defenders

Sample Questions

Here are the types of questions you will face in the Handball quiz. Sign up to get AI-generated answers with full explanations.

Q

An attacker's hand is struck by the ball while their arm is at their side. They then score a goal. Is the goal valid?

Q

A defender blocks a shot with their arm which is raised above shoulder height. Is this handball?

Q

The ball hits a goalkeeper's arm outside the penalty area. What should the referee do?

Common Handball Questions

Does every ball-to-hand contact count as handball?

No. Accidental contact between the ball and the arm is not always an offence. The referee considers whether the arm was in a natural position and whether the player deliberately moved their arm to the ball. Accidental handball by a defender that does not lead to a goal or clear chance is often not penalised.

What is an "unnatural arm position" in handball decisions?

An unnatural arm position is one where the player has made their body bigger by extending the arm away from the body. Arms held level with or above the shoulder are generally considered unnatural. Arms held close to the body or used for balance are generally considered natural.

Can a goal stand if the ball touched an attacker's hand/arm in the build-up?

No. Under the current Laws, if the ball touches the hand or arm of a player (including a team-mate) in the build-up to a goal, and that player then scores or assists the goal, the goal is disallowed. This applies even if the initial handball was accidental.

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