In a message dated 4/2/2007 10:09:49 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes:

I think that you are correct in stepping in if needed before anything happens. But, let's say there is no pushing or nonsense going on and the players just stand there but still prevent the keeper from having a fair play on the ball? I would just whistle it up and give that indirect free kick to the defenders. That should prevent that from happening again. The example originally discussed only involved one player and the keeper. Having more than one stand in front or around then keeper is a designed play. It is designed for one reason only. To screen out the keeper and prevent him/her from getting to the ball.

>>>>>>>

Guess I've lost track of whether or not we are still talking about indoor soccer. As many have pointed out, indoor soccer is a different game with different rules, and the rules MAY vary from building to building.

That being said, indoor soccer is played with a "target" player...a forward who plays with his back to the GK and (when done correctly) right in front of the keeper. There are MANY times when the target player may screen the keeper, or even keep the GK by physical means from getting to the ball. In indoor soccer, this should not be treated as either impeding or holding. It is the way the game is meant to be played. Trust me on this...I worked for the National Professional Soccer League and coached the indoor game for almost 20 years. Think of the target forward as being similar to the low post player (center, big guy) in basketball. His job is to get in close to the goal, make himself available (show for the ball), receive and hold passes while teammates make runs off his position, and do whatever he can to hold the attention of the goalkeeper so his teammates have a better chance of scoring. While setting screens is still technically illegal indoors, it happens naturally in the course of play around the penalty area, and the referee should be careful about calling this either impeding or holding too. Make sure it is really a "set piece" if you are going to call an illegal screen, and not just players running into one another.

Needless to say, there is holding, and then there is HOLDING, and when the target tries wrapping his arms around the keeper or grabbing his shirt, that's a lot different than just jockeying for position.

Regards Jim MacQueen Akron, OH

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