What is the Handball Soccer Rule?: Laws of the Game
What is a handball offense in soccer? In soccer, outfield players are not allowed to use their hands or arms to control the ball, but they can use other parts of their bodies, such as their feet, thighs, head, and chest.
Only the goalkeepers are allowed to pick up the soccer ball with their hands, but only if they are inside their own penalty area. If an outfield player hits the ball with their hand or arm, even if accidental, or if the goalkeeper uses their hands illegally, the referee will call a foul for a handball offense.
In this blog, I will cover everything you need to know about the handball rule in soccer.
What is Handball in Soccer?
Handball soccer rules are governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), and a handball offense is a type of foul in which a player illegally touches the soccer ball with their hands. Some people may think that a “handball” during a soccer game happens only when the ball touches a player’s palms or fingers, but actually, the entire arm counts as part of a “handball.”
FIFA’s official boundary of the arm starts at the bottom of the armpit, and touching the ball with anything below this line counts as an illegal handball.
Handball Rules in Soccer
The handball law indicates that handball offenses occur with any of the following scenarios:
- Outfield players use their hands on purpose or accidentally to block an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, such as Luis Suarez vs Ghana
- Any player illegally hits the ball with their hands
- Player touches the ball using their hand or arm when the ball is above shoulder level
- Scores a goal using their hands
- Scoring a goal after committing a handball
- A goalkeeper handles the ball illegally, such as when they are outside their penalty area or when they pick up a ball a teammate has deliberately passed to them.
What are the Consequences of Handball?
Handball is a punishable offense that has different consequences. If the handball occurs outside the penalty area, it results in a free kick; if inside the penalty area, it results in a penalty kick. If a goalkeeper picks up a ball that a teammate purposefully passes back,, it leads to an indirect free kick.
Also, if the referee decides to, they can show either a yellow or red card to the offending player, depending on the severity of the foul. For example, an obvious handball that blocks a clear goal-scoring opportunity will lead to a red card, while a more accidental handball can lead to a yellow card instead.
Role of Referees and VAR in Determining Handball Offenses
In soccer, referees play a crucial role in determining whether a handball was committed intentionally or unintentionally. When deciding if a handball violation is intentional or unintentional, the referee must use their judgment and decision-making skills to determine what are the right consequences for the offense.
If the referee feels they have to, nowadays they can use the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system to help them make a better-informed decision,, especially with handballs that have occurred in the build-up to a goal or penalty call.
Defensive Positions Deemed “Natural” by FIFA Regulations
In soccer, body positioning is key under FIFA’s handball rules, and one important concept players need to understand is “natural” defensive positions. A natural position is how players would typically stand or move without intentionally blocking the ball with their hands.
Folding arms behind the back or at the sides is considered “natural” when defending near an attacker’s cross or shot. Maintaining these postures is crucial for avoiding accidental handball offenses,, helping players avoid penalties, promoting fair play, and improving decision-making in high-pressure situations.
On the other hand, an unnatural position, such as an extended arm that makes their body look bigger, can result in a handball call. FIFA regulations prohibit any enlargement deemed unnatural, as it gives an unfair advantage over the opposing team.
Controversies Involving Handball Offenses
Over the history of the game, there have been a lot of handball controversies. Let’s now take a look at some of the most controversial moments involving handball offenses.
The Hand of God
The most famous incident of a clear and obvious handball in soccer that went unpunished is the legendary “Hand of God” moment by Diego Maradona, one of the best players of all time. During the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Diego Maradona used his hands to score a goal against England during the quarter-finals of the biggest soccer tournament in the world.
In this same match, Diego scored his other most famous goal, the goal of the century.
The infamous Thierry Henry incident:
During a 2009 World Cup qualifier between France and Ireland, Thierry Henry handled the ball not once but twice before setting up the decisive goal. Despite the apparent violation of the IFAB handball rule, where a player intentionally touches the ball with any part of their arm below shoulder level, the referee didn’t award a free kick. Talk about a missed call.
Summary
In conclusion, the handball soccer rule is one of the most important rules for new players, youth or adult, coaches, and fans to understand. In this blog, I covered everything you need to know about one of the most basic parts of the beautiful game, the handball rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still a handball violation if the ball hits your leg first?
No, if the ball hits your leg first and then your hands, it should not count as a handball since it is deemed accidental, and it may be hard to react quickly enough to get your arm out of the way after the ball has already hit you.
Is it still a handball violation if you are protecting your face?
If you are protecting your face with a natural position, then a handball won’t be called, but if you protect your face using a more unnatural position, the referee may call a foul.
When does a handball offense lead to a yellow or a red card?
A handball offense can lead to a yellow card or red card if it was on purpose or if it blocks an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Is a handball a direct free kick or an indirect free kick?
A handball is usually a direct free kick, and a penalty kick if it occurs inside the area, but there are instances where a handball can lead to an indirect free kick, such as when a player passes the ball back to the goalkeeper and the goalie picks it up.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer, the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high-level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews, watch soccer documentaries, and watch some movies, TV shows, and anime.
