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For those of you looking for some advice on handball (who doubts that we will be challenged in almost every second game we do?) the following was issued by USSF in 2005

USSF ADVICE ON DELIBERATE HANDLING:

The following clear USSF advice on handling is excellent.
From: Alfred Kleinaitis
Manager of Referee Development and Education

Subject: Handling Offences
Date: April 27, 2005

Recent incidents in the professional leagues involving possible handling offences have caused considerable comment and debate. For those not officiating the match, multiple camera angles, instant replay, and slow-motion viewing make the debate easier because they allow a leisurely analysis of the facts well after the relevant decision has to be made.

The Laws of the Game declare that a direct free kick is given to the opposing team if a player “handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area).” This simple statement defines one of the ten listed offences in the first part of Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) and lies at the historical and traditional heart of soccer, a game played with all parts of the body other than the hands. Only the goalkeeper is exempt from this restriction and only while within his own penalty area.

What are the characteristics of a clear handling offence?

A player deliberately carries, strikes, or propels the ball with the hand or arm
It is the player’s action that initiates the contact with the ball
What characteristics of ball contact are clearly not handling offences?

The ball strikes the hand or arm (i.e., the ball initiates the contact)
The contact is accidental (not the result of action by the player)
The contact is the result of a purely reflexive effort at self-protection
What are the standards of judgment which the referee will apply when the handling offence is not immediately clear?

The distance or time within which the player had to react to avoid contact – if there was time to avoid the contact, the likelihood of an offence is greater
The position of the player’s hand or arm at the time of the contact – if the hand or arm is carried in an unnatural or unusual position (e.g., high up in the air or, while defending against a free kick, far away from the body), the likelihood of an offence is greater
Directing the ball after initial accidental or reflexive contact – if the player takes advantage to control or push the ball away, a handling offence has occurred
The referee, with input from the assistant referees, must make the immediate decision based on the best available evidence in an increasingly fast-paced game. This difficult decision must be respected and final.

Excellent item, Gerry.  This and offside are the 2 situations that fans, coaches, and even players are most likely to want to provide the ref with their 'expert' assistance...."how could you not see that handball?!?!?!"

It is worth noting that there is NO REFERENCE in the USSF Laws or National Federation Rules to GAINING AN ADVANTAGE.....and the NCAA Rulebook specifically addresses that gaining an advantage does NOT make it a foul.

So if the ball happens to accidentally strike a player's hand/arm and the ball drops right at his/her feet.....NO FOUL!!!

In this case, you (the referee)  may want to express your decision by calling out "not deliberate" or "no foul"....to let the players know that you saw what happened.

the Old Guy

Gerry,
It is always helpful to have additional information, especially about such a misunderstood law. I have a specific question for all you more experienced referees about a handball call.

This summer while ref'ing the rec league games, I noticed that when chesting the ball from a high kick, some of the players were coached to bring their arms together in front of their bodies (and kept tight to their chest)  and clasp their hands at their waist when receiving the ball. This action looks similar to the volley ball move. I say that the players were coached because on at least one team several players used the same technique.

To me this creates a handball situation because even though the ball was striking their chest between their arms it was almost impossible to definatively say whether the ball touched the arm or not, and these players are skilled enough to be moving and turning as they "chest the ball" thus they could be stealthily directing the ball with their arms without anyone noticing.

I understand that it is difficult to picture what is being described, but please let me know your thoughts and what you would do.

Thanks,
~Peter

Peter,
I agree, I have seen that technique and the players are getting smarting and quicker but as for the smart part we as refs have to keep that one step ahead of them. Being in the right position and seeing that they the player are using their arms to direct the ball down. If you call the hand ball stand behind your call. Let the player know what you saw and a continous of this foul and you making the call hopefully the player will think before he or she acts.