Being Goalie

The goalkeeper is the only player who may use his or her hands and arms to catch but only within the penalty area. Goalkeepers are required to wear a different color jersey, separate from the referee's jersey color and there team's regular jersey color, so the referee can easily find them. There are no other specific requirements, but goalkeepers are usually allowed to wear additional protective gear such as padded clothing. Most goalkeepers also wear gloves to protect their hands (sometimes referred to as "Mickey Mouse gloves") and enhance grip of the ball and, like every player on the pitch, they are required to wear shin guards.

He or she may also to punch or deflect the ball away from the goal. The goalkeeper generally has a significant advantage on a ball high in the air, as he/she can raise his arms and play the ball before an attacker can attempt a header. When the keeper picks up the ball, he is allowed to kick it or throw it, or to place it on the ground and play it with his feet. The official laws of the game stipulate that once the goalkeeper has picked up the ball, he/she must redistribute it within six seconds; however, referees often use their discretion as long as the keeper is not obviously attempting to waste time. Once the keeper establishes possession of the ball, opposing players are not allowed to attempt to play the ball and must give the goalkeeper room to attempt a kick. If a ball is in the air and both the goalkeeper and a field player of the opposing team are challenging for the ball.