Goalkeeper Rules

Video on Goal Kick Rules:    • Goal Kick Rules  
Video on Penalty Kick Rules:    • Soccer Penalty Kick Rules  

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Let’s cover 7 Goalkeeper rules. You won’t want to miss the 6th one.

GOALKEEPER RULES AND REGULATIONS #1: Handling the Ball.

Goalkeepers have a special area known as the penalty area or 18-yard box.

This is where they can use their hands to handle the ball.

However, they can only do it when a person from the other team last touched it

or if a teammate did not intentionally pass it back to their keeper with their foot

or intentionally passed it back with another body part.

If they intentionally handle the ball outside the box, it is a direct free kick and may result in a yellow or red card.

If a teammate kicks the ball to them and they handle it, it is an indirect free kick.

GOALKEEPING RULES #2: Punts.

After making a save, goalkeepers often have the responsibility to restart the game.

They can throw the ball, kick the ball off the ground, or punt/drop kick the ball.

RULES FOR GOALIES IN SOCCER #3: Goal Kicks.

If the ball last touched a player of the opposing team before going out of bounds along their goal line,

Then, they have to use a goal kick to restart the play.

Rules allow teammates to remain in the 18-yard box during goal kick but opposing players must leave the box.

SOCCER GOALIE RULES #4: Holding the Ball.

A goalkeeper can only hold the ball for a maximum of six seconds.

This prevents time-wasting tactics.

Once the six-second mark is crossed, the opposing team is granted an indirect free kick from where the goalkeeper held the ball.

SOCCER GOALKEEPER RULES #5: Penalty Kicks.

When facing a penalty kick, goalkeepers must have at least part of one foot on the goal line and not move forward until the ball is kicked.

However, they can move side to side to try and save the shot.

Goalkeepers are no longer allowed to distract penalty takers before they kick the ball.

SOCCER KEEPER RULES #6: Fouls Inside the Box.

If a goalkeeper or teammate commits a contact foul or a teammate handles the ball inside the penalty box,

Then, the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick.

75% of penalty kicks result in goals so this is a very costly mistake.

GOALIE RULES FOR YOUTH SOCCER #7: Clothing.

Goalkeepers are required to wear a different colored uniform than the rest of the players.

This allows the referee to easily determine who can handle the ball in the penalty area.

Goalkeepers still have to wear socks, shin pads, and cleats just like any other player.

Also, the goalkeeper should wear a pair of keeper gloves to make catching and deflecting the ball easier.