 |
|
Our last Mini-Clinic was about reading the game. It prompted a response from a parent about the “disturbing trend of intense and dangerous play not only in the goal box, but near and often directed at the goalkeeper. Many times, this has been either overlooked, dismissed, called wrongly, or completely missed by the referees.”
This parent went on to suggest that the article should have included an admonition that “the referee's attention should be heightened any time that play enters the goal box, because there is a tendency for more players to be crowded into a smaller space and the opportunity for fouls and dangerous play in particular is increased. This is especially true as a goalkeeper is diving, lunging or leaping for a ball. The heightened scrutiny should continue until play is CLEARLY reversed and out of the goal box.”
Well, when someone makes a good point, we don't mind using it.
Goalkeepers continually put themselves in danger in order to do their jobs well. Teammates feel that their goalkeeper should not be deliberately roughed up when putting themselves in harm's way.
Attackers believe that intimidating – even roughing up - the goalkeeper can give them an edge.
Goalkeepers believe that similarly intimidating or roughing up attackers can help their cause.
Goalkeepers have a special right to handle the ball legally within their own penalty areas, but that's all. Attackers have the right to attack the goal with all the skills and deceptive moves they possess, but that's all.
Let's consider some situations.
High balls. Contrary to popular opinion, goalkeepers are not allowed to use their knees and feet to keep attackers away. Goalkeepers are often instructed to use their knees or legs to ward off attackers, but that is not legal. Goalkeepers are also taught to jump off one foot, throwing up the other leg to gain upward momentum, which is a good technique and is legal. Referees need to determine which is taking place. If the goalkeeper goes up with the knee close to the body, it is probably fair play; if the goalkeeper extends the leg, or raises a leg while standing on the ground, this may be a foul.
Referees need to be aware that when an attacker initiates a challenge, there must be a real effort and chance to play the ball. Attackers should not be allowed to simply make things difficult for the goalkeeper.
Goalkeepers have a huge advantage in going up for a ball. They can reach several feet above the best jump by an attacker. If the attacker continues the challenge, it may be reckless. It may also be calculated. If the attacker can't get to the ball legitimately, the attacker may be able to prevent the goalkeeper from getting there. Balls in the air may well lead to calculated efforts by the attacker to cheat. One cannot charge a player fairly in the air.
Of course, the attacker may be in the best position for the ball. A goalkeeper who is already off his line may be in trouble if the attacker gets there first. When the goalkeeper knows he can't reach the ball, he no longer needs to extend his arms. When his elbows start moving out, he is probably planning to block the attacker, not get the ball.
Low balls. Goalkeepers understand the dangers in going for balls on the ground. Indeed, if any field player were to play as dangerously as a goalkeeper, it would be a foul. A challenge on the ground is likely to result in physical contact; for a goalkeeper, that is just part of the game... no foul at all.
Many attackers are very skilled at jumping over or around the goalkeeper who already has possession of the ball on the ground… except when they want to send a message. If the attacker had time to move out of the way, but doesn't, this could be deliberate.
Many goalkeepers are very skilled at rolling into the attacker after they have possession of the ball on the ground. If the goalkeeper continues a roll after gaining possession of the ball, it may be intentional.
Intimidation. Attackers are sometimes taught to intimidate goalkeepers by running into them, or at them and veering off at the last moment. Referees must stop this practice before the players take their own justice. The referee must also watch for – and deal harshly with – an attacker who takes the legs out from under an extended goalkeeper; this play is intended to injure an opponent.
Of course, goalkeepers can also be guilty of intimidation. This can be done by raising a knee as mentioned above, or by pushing an attacker away with the ball, or pretending to throw the ball at the attacker.
At the first sign of intimidation between an attacker and a goalkeeper, ask the goalkeeper to hold the ball and speak to each player separately… but loud enough for both to hear.
Impeding. Attackers without the ball will sometimes interfere with the goalkeeper by grabbing shorts, stepping on feet, or simply getting in the way. These things are most likely to occur on a corner kick or similar set play.
Not all cases of blocking out the goalkeeper are impeding. The “giveaway” is when the attacking players place themselves between the goalkeeper and the ball, but make no effort to play the ball.
In challenges involving the goalkeeper, it is extremely important to deal with the situations effectively before they have an influence on the game. The goalkeeper has to be protected from rough play by the attackers, but the goalkeeper cannot be allowed to play unfairly either.
Take control. Set the tone early. Be polite but firm (and be brief!). The players will appreciate it, and you will minimize the goalkeeper/attacker crunches.
Posted: 02/07/04
(If you wish to comment on this article, send a message to basra@basra-refs.org.)
[Return to BASRA Homepage]
[News] [Minutes] [Clinics] [Tournaments] [Links] [Maps to Fields]
[Handbook] [Constitution] [By Laws] [Contacts]