Handball Rules in Soccer: What Youth Soccer Players (U5-U19) Need to Know

CRFC BLOGS

LATEST BLOGS & NEWSLETTERS

Handball rules in soccer can be confusing, especially for young players. This article explains when a handball is an offense, what happens if it’s accidental, and how referees decide on penalties. Understanding these rules will help players avoid unnecessary fouls and fair play.

What is a Handball in Soccer?

A handball occurs when a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm. However, not every contact between the ball and a player’s arm is considered a handball offense.

Key Definition by FIFA

According to FIFA’s Laws of the Game, a handball offense happens if a player:

Deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm.
Gains an unfair advantage by making their body unnaturally bigger.
Scores a goal directly using their hand or arm.

When is a Handball an Offense?

Referees will call a handball if:

Deliberate Handball

The player moves their hand or arm toward the ball.
The movement is intentional to block, pass, or control the ball.

Unnatural Arm Position

If a player’s hand or arm is away from their body, they make themselves “bigger.”

Even if accidental, it is a foul if the handball gives the player an unfair advantage.

Scoring a Goal with a Handball

The goal is disallowed if the ball touches a player’s hand or arm before a goal is scored.
This applies even if the contact was accidental.

When is an Accidental Handball NOT a Foul?

Not every time the ball hits a player’s hand is a foul. Here are situations where accidental handball is not punished:

Ball Hits the Hand Unexpectedly

If the ball deflects off another player and the arm is in a natural position.

The Arm is in a Natural Position

If the player’s arms are close to their body and not used to make themselves bigger.

The Player is Protecting Themselves

If a player instinctively raises their arms to protect their face or body from a fast-moving ball.

A Deflection Off Another Part of the Body

If the ball bounces off the player’s leg, chest, or head before touching their hand.

What Happens After a Handball?

The referee’s decision depends on the type of handball:

Deliberate Handball → Direct Free Kick or Penalty Kick

The opposing team gets a direct free kick if the handball happens outside the penalty box.
If inside the penalty box, the opposing team gets a penalty kick.

Accidental Handball in a Goal-Scoring Situation → Free Kick for the Opponent

If a goal is scored immediately after an accidental handball, the goal is disallowed, and the opponent gets a free kick.

Accidental Handball with No Advantage → Play Continues

If the referee decides that the handball was accidental and did not change the game, they allow play to continue.

Key Takeaways for Youth Players (U5-U19)

Deliberate handball = Foul
Arms making the body bigger = Foul
Accidental handball ≠ Foul (unless a goal is scored right after it)
Referees use judgment to decide if a handball was intentional

By understanding these rules, young soccer players can play more confidently and avoid unnecessary fouls.

Conclusion

Understanding handball rules is essential for young soccer players to avoid unnecessary fouls and fair play. While deliberate handballs and unnatural arm positions result in penalties, accidental hand contact is not always a foul—especially if the player has no time to react or their arm is in a natural position.

FAQs

What is a handball in soccer?

A handball happens when a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm or gains an advantage by making their body bigger.

Is an accidental handball always a foul?

No, if the ball hits a player’s hand unexpectedly or their arm is in a natural position, it is not a foul unless a goal is scored immediately after.

What happens if a handball occurs inside the penalty box?

If the handball is deliberate, the opposing team gets a penalty kick. If accidental, the referee may allow play to continue.

Can goalkeepers be penalized for handball?

Yes, goalkeepers can only use their hands inside the penalty box. If they touch the ball outside the box, it is a handball foul.

Does blocking the ball to protect your face count as a handball?

If a player raises their hands to protect themselves, referees may allow play to continue. But if it stops a pass or goal, it may still be called a handball.