Date:         Thu, 27 Sep 2001 08:36:36 -0600
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
From:         Jeff Benjamin <[log in to unmask]>
Organization: Lab & Lizard Ltd.
Subject:      Re: Goalkeeper - Dangerous Play
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Tom Marlin wrote:
> In Darrel's case it is simple intimidation, and must be dealt with
> before someone gets hurt; an upraised knee is a dangerous weapon.

Agreed, that a knee raised to intimidate, when the ball is not in the
air, should be dealt with.  Even when going up for a high ball, the
keeper's knee should not be used as a weapon - the keeper's attention
should be focused on the ball, not the oncoming attacker.  In this
respect they do not differ from any other player on the field.

I just wanted to give some background on *why* keepers use their knee,
and dispel the myth I have occasionally heard among refs that a raised
knee is not necessary and should be automatically sanctioned.

Bernie Reddy wrote:
> Related idle question: what do basketball players do when going for rebounds
> near the basket? I don't watch much basketball, either, but my mental image
> is one of athletes exploding straight up into the air

The physics of a basketball coming down off the rim are very different
from a flighted soccer ball.  Assuming a basketball player has position,
under the basket, they are jumping almost straight up.  A goalkeeper
needs to be going forward towards the ball as well as up, thus the
one-footed takeoff is preferred.

--
Jeff Benjamin                                   benji @ fc.hp.com
Hewlett Packard Co.                        Fort Collins, Colorado
      "I'm as happy as a dog with two tails!" - Ray Hudson