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Last updated: Nov 01, 2022
A goalkeeper six-second violation in soccer is a rarely-called foul meant to discourage goalkeepers from excessively holding on to the ball and slowing down the pace of play. Goalkeepers must release a held ball after six seconds; if they fail to do so, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the location of the foul.
Table of Contents
- Definition
- Result
- Referee Signal
- Examples
- Helpful Links
- Similar Violations to Goalkeeper Six-Second Violation
- FAQ
Definition
A goalkeeper six-second violation is a foul that a soccer goalkeeper may commit by holding onto the ball for more than six seconds rather than playing it as required.Unlike other players in soccer, the goalkeeper is allowed to touch and hold the ball with their hands and arms, but only within the penalty area. The penalty area exists in a box extending 18 yards (16.5 meters) outward from each side of the goal and 18 yards into the field into the play; this box is marked with lines on the field.
There are several rules that restrict how a goalkeeper handles the ball within the penalty area, and one rule restricts them from holding the ball for longer than six seconds before releasing it. This restriction does not apply if the goalkeeper has caught the ball in making a save or caught the ball after rebounding it off their body. Referees usually enforce this rule loosely, only calling a foul after repeated violations.
Result
The result of a goalkeeper six-second violation is an indirect free kick being awarded to the non-offending team.The captain of the non-offending team will select a player to take an unopposed kick from the location of the foul but without taking a direct shot at the goal. This result is the same across amateur and professional leagues, as the International Football Association Board (IFAB) dictates the laws of the game, which are used at all levels of play.
Alternatively, fouls committed inside the penalty area typically result in a penalty kick taken at the penalty spot. An exception is if the foul occurs within the goal area, a smaller box within the penalty area. In this case, the free kick is taken from the perimeter of the goal area.
Referee Signal
When a goalkeeper commits a six-second violation, the referee will blow their whistle, immediately stopping play. The referee will then show the signal for an indirect free kick by raising one arm straight over their head, pointing directly upward with their hand.A referee will typically give a goalkeeper an initial verbal warning for wasting time and allow more than six seconds of holding the ball, only calling this foul after repeated infractions.
Examples
- A ball deflects off a defensive player and into the penalty area, where the goalkeeper picks it up and proceeds to throw it up in the air, then holds it under their arm for more than six seconds.
- A goalkeeper picks up a ball that has rebounded off an offensive player. The goalkeeper feints a throw into play but continues to hold it for more than six seconds.
- A goalkeeper saves a goal, catching the ball in their hands. The goalkeeper then holds the ball for more than six seconds. No foul has occurred.
Helpful Links
Similar Violations to Goalkeeper Six-Second Violation
- Delaying the Restart of Play
- Unsporting Behavior
- Handball Violation
FAQ
What is a goalkeeper six-second rule violation in soccer?
A goalkeeper six-second violation in soccer is a goalkeeper foul that the goalkeeper commits by holding the ball inside the penalty area for an excessive amount of time. The goalkeeper is allowed to hold or control the ball with their hands or arms, but they must release and play the ball within six seconds. This rule is loosely enforced, with goalkeepers often getting more time to play the ball without penalty. The six-second rule does not apply directly after a save or when the ball rebounds off the goalkeeper’s body.
What are the consequences of being called for a goalkeeper six-second rule violation in soccer?
The consequences of being called for a goalkeeper six-second violation in soccer are a loss of possession and an indirect free kick being awarded to your opponent.The team against whom the foul was committed will be allowed to kick the ball from the location of the foul. Due to the nature of this violation, this kick will always be taken from inside the penalty area. This proximity to the goal makes it easy for your opponent to convert the free kick into a pass and a shot by a teammate into the goal.
Why was the goalkeeper six-second rule created?
The goalkeeper six-second rule was created to prevent goalkeepers from holding the ball for an excessive amount of time in order to waste time and potentially gain a strategic advantage for their team.FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, has long sought to prevent time-wasting by the goalkeeper, particularly by enforcing the back-pass rule and the four steps rule. In 1997, the six-second rule was added to the laws of the game to give referees an additional tool to prevent goalkeepers from unfairly monopolizing control of the ball.
Pages Related to Soccer Goalkeeper Six-Second Violation
When it comes to soccer, I'm deeply immersed in the sport, from its fundamental rules to the intricacies of gameplay and penalties. I've followed various leagues like the Bundesliga, English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Major League Soccer closely, witnessing not only thrilling matches but also understanding the nuances of each league's style of play.
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Now, let's break down the concepts covered in the article:
Sports:
Soccer is the primary focus here, encompassing various leagues like Bundesliga, EPL, La Liga, Serie A, and MLS. The article also touches on Olympic soccer.
Sporting Events:
Discusses the enforcement of rules and penalties during soccer matches.
Shopping:
References shopping for soccer-related equipment, which includes apparel, shoes, balls, and other gear.
Games:
Soccer is the central game discussed, highlighting its rules, penalties (including the goalkeeper six-second violation), and gameplay.
Activities:
Playing soccer, coaching, and drills related to improving soccer skills.
How To Play Soccer:
Elaborates on the fundamental aspects of playing soccer, from basic skills to rules and tactics.
Soccer Fouls:
Addresses various fouls in soccer, including the goalkeeper six-second violation, handball, dangerous play, and dissent.
Soccer Rules:
Explores the regulations and laws governing soccer, including those related to goalkeepers and their actions within the penalty area.
Soccer Players:
Covers the positions, roles, and behavior expected from players, including goalkeepers.
Soccer Referees:
Mentions the referee's role in enforcing rules, signaling fouls, and managing gameplay.
Soccer Leagues:
Encompasses different soccer leagues worldwide, each with its unique characteristics and gameplay styles.
Soccer Equipment:
Discusses the gear necessary for playing soccer, from balls and jerseys to specialized goalkeeper gloves.
Soccer Coaching:
Involves training methods, coaching strategies, and drills to enhance player performance.
Soccer Drills:
Details specific exercises aimed at improving soccer skills and team dynamics.
Soccer Field:
Describes the dimensions and layout of a soccer field, including the penalty area, where the goalkeeper operates.
Soccer Formations:
Covers the tactical arrangements of players on the field to optimize team performance.
Soccer Glossary:
Explains various soccer-related terms and their meanings.
Soccer Biographies:
Possibly profiles of notable soccer personalities or players.
This comprehensive coverage showcases the depth and breadth of the soccer-related topics discussed in the article, ranging from fundamental gameplay elements to specific rules and penalties, catering to both enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper understanding of the sport.
