From Mark Koski, NFHS staff liaison to the Soccer Rules Committee and editor of the NFHS Soccer Rules Book (on a 2008 "Point of Emphasis" on handling):
"Regarding handling, a player shall be penalized for deliberately playing, carrying, striking or propelling the ball with hand or arm," Koski said. "It is not handling if the ball makes contact with the hand in a natural position."
No mention of whether the ball is traveling toward the goal and changes direction.
