Rules

Handball Rule Explained

Q: Is every handball a foul?

No, only deliberate handballs or those that unnaturally make the body bigger are fouls.

Q: Can a goalkeeper handle outside the box?

No, goalkeepers can only handle the ball inside their own penalty area.

Q: What if the ball hits your arm from close range?

Close-range deflections from your own body are usually not penalized.

Understanding the handball rule in football - when it's a foul and when it's not.

Quick Answer

A handball is called when a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm, or makes their body unnaturally bigger to block the ball. Accidental contact from the player's own body or arms close to the body is generally not penalized.

Handball Decision Flowchart

The handball rule has evolved significantly in recent years. Here's the current interpretation:

What is a Handball?

A handball offense occurs when a player:
• Deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm
• Touches the ball with an unnaturally enlarged body silhouette
• Scores directly from their hand/arm (even if accidental)

Not a Handball

It is NOT a handball if:
• The ball touches a hand/arm directly from the player's own head or body
• The hand/arm is close to the body and does not unnaturally make it bigger
• A player falls and the ball touches their hand/arm for support

Natural vs Unnatural Position

A key factor is whether the arm is in a "natural" position:
• Arms by the side = natural
• Arms away from body = potentially unnatural
• Arms above shoulder height = usually unnatural

Deliberate Handball

A deliberate handball results in:
• Direct free kick (or penalty if in the box)
• Yellow or red card depending on the situation
• A red card if it denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every handball a foul?

Can a goalkeeper handle outside the box?

What if the ball hits your arm from close range?