Delaney: Hands off

There is a time on a soccer field when even the goalkeeper can't use his or her hands.

 

I saw it on Tuesday during the West Canada Valley-Mohawk girls Section III playoff game. A West Canada Valley defender played the ball with her feet back to Indians keeper Rachael Dygert. Dygert picked up the ball and was called for a hand ball. Mohawk was awarded an indirect kick and Alex Kryshchuk tied the game.

 

Dygert can pick up the ball if the defender plays it with her head, chest or thigh. If a field player uses any body part below the knee, the keeper has to use his or her feet.

 

This is a rule I always had a hard time keeping straight and I was glad to get clarification.