Dear Marge,

I was watching a game recently attacking side awarded short corner which was taken but the ball didn't go out the "D". After the attacking side hit the ball the keeper touch it out over base line.
The umpire at the end gave a 15 hit-out to the defending side. The other umpire agreeing that the ball didn't go out the "D" said it should have been a long corner to the attacking side on the basis that it didn't go in the goal ~ if it had then it would have been a 15 hit-out to defending side.
Apparently its a rule which is on trial at the moment.

Graham

Dear Graham,

Firstly, there is no rule “on trial” at the moment but there is an interpretation of the short corner procedure where umpires are advised not to blow immediately if the ball does not go outside the circle at the first instance. The team may stop the ball in the circle but then take it out later before they shoot. However, if they do not take it out of the circle and bring it back in before a shot at goal, there is NO foul unless they score. Players cannot score a goal without the ball leaving the circle first; the penalty is a free hit from 16yards.

In your scenario I presume there was a shot at goal which the GK deflected over the back line. The ball did not cross the goal line therefore play carries on as normal. A long hit would be the correct decision.

This has caused a lot of discussion with umpires as it is possible for penalty corners to be given after the non penalising of the attack which then throws up the situation that the defenders are actually being disadvantaged and the attack gaining an advantage.

It will run and run!!

Back To Top | Back to Questions