Just curious to know if anyone else has been awarded a penalty kick or had one called against you for the following infraction:

Ball is played in the penalty area and hits a player (anywhere in the region classified to be a handball) but it is clearly not intentional. The rule clearly states if the ball is handled deliberately (except for the GK) a PK is awarded. There were 2 or 3 PK's given in our match last night that clearly weren't intentional even ones awarded to us I didn't agree with.

Now if your playing in a big match and a call like that is made it could end a season, championship run, etc. The officials rule the field, and it's their decision ultimately, just curious to know if anyone else has seen this going on just causes some concern.


Clark McCarthy
University of South Carolina
Assistant Women's Soccer Coach