Goalkeeper Behavior at advanced level of play (Closed for comments)
Comments about this discussion:
Started
I’d like to open a small discussion about whether and when it is acceptable—at an advanced level of play—for a goalkeeper to hold onto the goal, and how referees should appropriately respond to such situations.
Observation from some tournaments:
A goalkeeper, while their team is clearly in the lead, leans over the goal with both arms in a demonstrative and somewhat arrogant pose. At that moment, the ball is in the opposite half of the field.
Several possible ways to respond come to mind:
-
I take no action.
The behavior is ignored because the ball is far away from the goalkeeper. -
I treat it as a foul.
The goalkeeper is not allowed to hold onto the goal—even if the ball is not nearby. Consequence: corner for the opposing team. -
I issue a 2-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The behavior is interpreted as provocative or disrespectful, regardless of whether it affects the immediate play.
Comment
In my opinion, here, the rule in 14B.8.1 General Considerations does apply:
To keep the game going, rule violations that do not influence the course of the game should not be penalized.
So, the referee shall not take any action.
Even though such actions may be provocative or disrespectful, they are not unsportsmanlike conduct in my opinion.
Comment
I don't think I would ever send a player off for leaning on the goal "provocatively".
I couldn't justify that.
I think the discussion of penalising is covered by
14B.8.1 General Considerations does apply:
To keep the game going, rule violations that do not influence the course of the game should not be penalized.
The only way this would change is if we bring in stricter rules on touching walls. I will leave this open for a bit but I think it probably should be closed in the next few days if no one has any important points.