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The Goalie is in possession of the ball (has two hands on the ball is holding it chest high inside the 6 yd box). The goalie starts to run up to the 18 to punt the ball and accidentally drops the ball onto the ground ( not dribbline, bouncing, catching, throwing or any other intentional act).

Question #1: Can the goalie pick it up?

Question #2: Can an attacking player attempt to play the ball?

I've asked this question and get a different answer from all who answer it. I can not find a passage in the rule book for this situation. Let me know your opinions.

Curt

My answer would be yes, the goalkeeper should be able to pick up the ball. There was no intent here to release the ball and the spirit of the rules would not be to punish for an untintentional action. As to the attacker, again I would say yes as long as any challenge were fair and not dangerous.