A goalkeeper's ability to handle a back pass depends entirely on how the ball was played back to them by a teammate. Understanding the specific rules regarding back passes is crucial for players and fans alike.
The "back-pass rule," officially known as Law 12, Section 2 of the Laws of the Game, prevents goalkeepers from gaining an unfair advantage by handling the ball in certain situations when it's passed to them by a teammate.
Understanding the Back-Pass Rule
The rule is designed to promote continuous play and discourage time-wasting. It specifically addresses how a goalkeeper can interact with the ball when it comes from a teammate.
When a Goalkeeper Cannot Handle the Ball
A goalkeeper cannot legally handle the ball if it is:
- Deliberately Kicked: If a teammate deliberately kicks the ball directly to their own goalkeeper, the goalkeeper is not permitted to touch it with their hands or arms.
- Received Directly from a Throw-in: If a teammate takes a throw-in and throws the ball directly to their own goalkeeper, the goalkeeper cannot handle it.
In both these scenarios, the goalkeeper must play the ball with their feet, head, or any other legal part of the body, just like an outfield player.
When a Goalkeeper Can Handle the Ball
Despite the common misconception, there are specific situations where a goalkeeper is allowed to handle a back pass from a teammate. This is permitted if the ball is played back by an action other than a kick or a throw-in.
Examples include:
- Header: If a teammate deliberately heads the ball back to the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper is free to pick it up.
- Chest Pass: If a teammate uses their chest to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper can handle it.
- Knee or Other Body Part: Similarly, if a teammate plays the ball back using their knee or any other part of the body (excluding the foot for a kick or hands for a throw-in), the goalkeeper can handle it.
However, a crucial clarification exists: defenders are not permitted to attempt to use a deliberate trick to pass the ball to the goalkeeper with a part of the body other than the foot to circumvent the main back-pass rule. For instance, a player cannot flick the ball up with their foot to then head it back to the goalkeeper as a way to bypass the rule. Such an action would still be deemed an infringement.
Summary of Back Pass Scenarios
To simplify, here's a quick overview of what's allowed and what's not:
| Action by Teammate | Goalkeeper Can Handle? | Outcome if Handled Illegally |
|---|---|---|
| Deliberate Kick | No | Indirect Free Kick |
| Deliberate Throw-in | No | Indirect Free Kick |
| Deliberate Header | Yes | Play continues |
| Deliberate Chest | Yes | Play continues |
| Deliberate Knee | Yes | Play continues |
| Deliberate Trick (to circumvent rule) | No | Indirect Free Kick |
Why Was the Rule Introduced?
The back-pass rule was introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in 1992, largely in response to the slow, defensive play that had become prevalent in the game. Before this rule, teams would often pass the ball back to their goalkeeper, who could then pick it up, hold onto it, and waste time, leading to less exciting matches. The rule aimed to:
- Promote attacking play: By forcing goalkeepers to use their feet more often, it encourages quicker restarts and more open play.
- Reduce time-wasting: It prevents teams from endlessly passing the ball around the back to run down the clock.
Consequences of Infringement
If a goalkeeper illegally handles a back pass, the referee will award an indirect free kick to the opposing team. This free kick is taken from the spot where the offense occurred. It's important to remember that an indirect free kick cannot be scored directly; another player must touch the ball before it can enter the goal.
For more detailed information, refer to the IFAB Laws of the Game.
