Simone Lawson
Handballs are a constant source of controversy in soccer, with the rules around them changing frequently. The introduction of VAR in 2018 has also highlighted scrutiny and pressure when the ball hits a player's hand. The handball rule is designed to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by using their arms or hands to manipulate the ball's trajectory. The rules around handballs are slightly different in the Premier League and Champions League, but generally, a handball is defined as touching the ball with one's hand or arm. The key to determining whether a handball has occurred lies in understanding the rules, intent behind the play, and recent changes in the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Part of the body | Any part of the arm from the fingertips to the shoulder is considered a handball. The upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit. |
| Intent | Handball can be intentional or unintentional. Intent is at the referee's discretion. |
| Position of the arm | If the arm is in an unnatural position, it is more likely to be considered a handball. This includes arms extended laterally or vertically, or outward while covering the face. |
| Advantage | If the handball gives the player an unfair advantage, it is more likely to be penalised. |
| Type of kick | A handball results in a direct free kick. |
| Card | A red card may be awarded if the handball prevents a clear opportunity to score a goal. |
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What You'll Learn
Handball rules and their evolution
Handball rules in soccer are among the game's most contested and vague laws. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is the body responsible for defining and updating the handball rules. Over the years, there have been several changes to the handball rule book.
The current understanding of a handball is when the ball illegally makes contact with a player's arm or hand. This includes any part of the arm from the fingertips to the shoulder. If the ball touches the player's hand or arm when it is unnaturally extended or positioned, it is also considered a handball. This could be when a player's arm is extended laterally or vertically, making their body unnaturally bigger and covering more space.
Previously, a handball was considered a particular punishable or discretionary offence. However, the rules have evolved to consider whether the handball was intentional or unintentional. While it can be challenging to determine a player's intention, referees must use their discretion to decide if it was a deliberate handball. The referee's decision will impact the consequences of the handball.
The latest rule changes clarify that not every touch of a player's hand or arm with the ball is an offence. For example, if the ball accidentally makes contact with a defender's hand or arm after a deflection or a teammate's clearance, it may not be considered a handball. Additionally, if a player uses their hand or arm to protect their face, it is not a handball as the ball would have hit them if their hands were not covering their face. However, players must be careful not to have their arms extended outward in an unnatural position during such instances.
The handball rule has evolved to focus on the position and movement of the player's hand or arm rather than solely on intent. This evolution aims to provide clearer guidelines for referees and reduce the ambiguity surrounding handball decisions.
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Handball offences and consequences
The consequences of a handball offence vary depending on the nature and context of the infringement. If a player commits a handball offence, the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick. If the handball offence is committed by a field defender within their own penalty area, the direct free kick becomes a penalty kick.
More serious consequences can occur when a handball offence prevents a clear opportunity to score a goal. In such cases, the offending player may receive a red card and be sent off, particularly if the handball is deemed deliberate. Even if the handball is deemed non-deliberate, the player may still be cautioned or receive a yellow card. Multiple yellow cards, including those received for handball offences, can also result in a red card.
It is important to note that not all contact with the ball by the hand or arm is considered a handball offence. If the ball touches the hand or arm of a player without their deliberate movement towards the ball, or if the player's hand or arm is in a natural position, it may be deemed accidental and play will continue. Additionally, if a goalkeeper commits a handball offence within their own penalty area, it is not considered an offence.
To avoid handball offences, players are instructed to keep their hands near their sides when the ball is nearby and to resist the urge to catch the ball, which is common in other sports. Coaches play a crucial role in teaching young players proper techniques, such as tucking their arms into their bodies when covering their faces, to avoid committing handball offences.
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Handballs and the role of referees
Handballs are among the most contested and vague rules in soccer, with interpretations varying from referee to referee. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the organisation in charge of setting and changing the official Laws of the Game, has attempted to clarify the handball rule. According to the IFAB, a handball occurs when the ball touches a player's hand or arm in a way that makes their body unnaturally bigger, regardless of intent. This means that a player with their arms extended laterally or vertically can be penalised for handball even if the contact was accidental.
Referees play a crucial role in interpreting and enforcing the handball rule. They must decide whether the handball was intentional or unintentional, as the consequences differ. For example, if a player handballs to build up to a goal, the goal will not be allowed. Referees must also determine if the player's arm was in an unnatural position, such as being stretched out to the side or in the air. If the arm is in a natural position, such as by the player's side or with the arms tucked into the body, it is typically not considered a handball.
The handball rule has undergone several changes over the years. Initially, a handball was considered a punishable offence or a discretionary offence. However, the latest rule changes clarify that not every touch of a player's hand or arm with the ball is an offence. Only blatant handball fouls are punished. Additionally, the rule used to define the upper boundary of the arm as being "in line with the bottom of the armpit," but this has been updated to permit contact with the top of the arm, known as the "sleeve rule."
Despite these efforts to simplify the handball rule, it remains a challenging aspect of the game for referees to interpret. The application of the rule can differ across matches, competitions, and leagues, and even the most experienced referees may struggle with its arbitrary nature. As a result, handballs are often a source of controversy and debate in soccer.
In conclusion, handballs in soccer are a complex and evolving aspect of the game that relies heavily on the interpretation and discretion of the referee. While IFAB has provided guidelines and definitions, the rule continues to be a source of discussion and disagreement among players, fans, and officials.
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Handballs and their impact on gameplay
Handball rules in soccer are among the game's most contested and vague laws. The handball rule differentiates soccer from many other sports and has a significant impact on how the game is played. In soccer, players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands, unlike most sports.
A handball in soccer is when the ball illegally makes contact with a player's arm or hand. The upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit, implying that the ball causing contact with the shoulder is not considered a handball. It is deemed a handball if the player's hand is in an unnatural position, such as in the air or stretched out to the side, and the ball hits it. If the player's arms are at their sides and someone kicks the ball at them, it is not a handball.
The impact of a handball can vary depending on the context and the referee's interpretation of the incident. If a handball is deemed intentional or results in an unfair advantage for a player, it is more likely to be penalized. For example, if an attacking player uses their hand or arm to score a goal or during the immediate goal-scoring buildup play, it will be penalized. A handball that prevents a clear opportunity to score may result in a red card.
On the other hand, if the ball accidentally makes contact with a defender's hand or arm inside their penalty area from a deflection or a teammate's clearance, it may not be penalized. Similarly, if a player falls and the ball touches their hand or arm, it may not be considered a handball if no advantage is gained.
The rules regarding handball have evolved over time, with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) making efforts to simplify and clarify the rules. Despite these efforts, the interpretation of handball incidents remains subjective and controversial, with referees having the challenging task of deciding whether an infringement has occurred.
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Handballs and their interpretation
Handball is one of the most important rules in soccer, significantly impacting how the game is played. The rule differentiates soccer from many other sports, including rugby, which was closely intertwined with soccer during its early development. In soccer, players cannot touch the ball with their hands or arms.
Handball offences can be called when a player's hand or arm makes their body unnaturally bigger, covering more space than necessary. This can include having arms extended laterally or vertically, or having arms extended without using them for support during a sliding tackle. If a player falls on the ball, it may be considered a handball, but it may not be called as one if no advantage is gained.
Handball offences can also be called when the ball touches an attacking player's hand or arm in the immediate goal-scoring build-up play, or if a goal is scored by the hand or arm of an attacking player. In these cases, the attacking player is taking a calculated risk with their body positioning, even if not done with the intention of handling the ball.
The interpretation of handballs is often left up to the referee, who may consider the player's intent and body positioning when making their decision. The referee will also determine whether the handball was intentional or unintentional, as these will have different consequences. In recent years, the use of VAR (video assistant referee) has been introduced to review handball incidents and help referees make these decisions.
Despite efforts to simplify the rules, there are still some grey areas and uncertainties surrounding handballs in soccer. The application of the rules can differ slightly across different matches, competitions, and leagues.
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Frequently asked questions
In soccer, a handball occurs when a player touches the ball with their hand or arm. The upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit. However, not all touches of the hand or arm are considered handballs.
The referee will consider the player's intent and the context of the play. If the player deliberately moved their hand or arm towards the ball, it is considered a handball. If the player's hand or arm is in an unnatural position, making their body silhouette "unnaturally big", it is also considered a handball.
The consequences of a handball depend on the nature of the offense. A handball can result in a direct or indirect free kick, a penalty, or disciplinary actions such as a yellow or red card. If a handball occurs inside the penalty box, it often leads to a penalty kick for the opposing team.
