8-second rule for goalkeepers – how do you apply it?

[GoookeRef]

Please take a look at this video:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1799790542441885910

This clip is from more than a year ago.
The goalkeeper is holding the ball with his hands, while an opponent is waiting behind him, trying to intercept once the ball is released.

I have three questions for everyone:

1. If the opponent is standing directly in front of the goalkeeper, I suppose the 8-second count should not start. Is that correct?
2. With the new 8-second rule added, even in a situation like this (with an opponent hiding behind the goalkeeper), the count should still start, right?
3. In this clip the opponent is at some distance, but if the opponent was standing much closer behind the goalkeeper, would you still start the count?

I’d really like to hear everyone’s thoughts on this!

 

[Archer]

Goalkeeper isn’t prevented from releasing the ball. “Normal” count for me.

Does the scorer deliberately leave the FOP without permission, though?

 

[JamesL]

Interestingly I have had this happen this season under the new laws.

Agree, the count can start when players are behind the goalkeeper. As they have clear possession with the ability to release it. Method of release is on the goalkeeper.

 

[one]

The description I have used before is "oprtunity to release" for starting the count. Even if oppoents are in front of the keeper but that is only because the keeper has moved behind them rather than opponent have moved in front of keeper, I'm still starting the count.

I'm also with @Archer . Even though the bigger sin here is the keeper's lack of awareness, the opponent going off the field and hiding behind the goal post (quite deliberately) is unsporting. I won't oppose a caution for the red player here. But it has to be done before the goal is scored otherwise match control is down the drain.

 

[GoookeRef]

Archer, JamesL and one.
Thanks a lot for this detailed explanation!
The phrase “opportunity to release” is really clear and helpful — I like that way of thinking about it.

And yes, I agree with you about the unsporting behavior of the attacker hiding behind the post. Also, the point about needing to deal with it before the goal is scored makes a lot of sense for match control. Really helpful insight!

 

[BenS]

Sorry to bump a thread, I searched but couldn't find an answer and didn't want to start another conversation about the 8-second rule. But what happens if the goalkeeper has the ball in his hand, the count gets down to 3/2/1 and the goalkeeper goes down injured? I haven't seen it happen as yet, but just trying to work out whether I'm missing something or whether this is potentially the next way teams will slow the game down.

 

[RefereeX]

Sorry to bump a thread, I searched but couldn't find an answer and didn't want to start another conversation about the 8-second rule. But what happens if the goalkeeper has the ball in his hand, the count gets down to 3/2/1 and the goalkeeper goes down injured? I haven't seen it happen as yet, but just trying to work out whether I'm missing something or whether this is potentially the next way teams will slow the game down.

I think it’s a case of judging this on a case by case basis.
If they look injured before getting to the final few seconds then stop the game, get them treatment, restart with a drop. If they act as if they’re gonna play it then suddenly on the count of 1 they go down, and it’s obvious the team are slowing the game down, I think I’d award the corner and call the physio on