SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-handball-not-every-touch

If the ball hits a player's hand, is that always a handball offence?

No. Not every touch of the hand or arm is an offence.

Start playing free

  1. No, not every touch is an offence ✔
  2. Yes, always
  3. Only inside the penalty area

Why: The Laws say not every touch of the hand or arm is an offence. It is an offence when the touch is deliberate or the arm made the body unnaturally bigger.

Huh, didn't know that: Moving the hand or arm toward the ball is an example of a deliberate touch.

The dad joke
Why did the soccer ball high-five the player? Bad idea, that's a handball.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: No, not every touch is an offence. The Laws say not every touch of the hand or arm is an offence. It is an offence when the touch is deliberate or the arm made the body unnaturally bigger.

  1. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct www.theifab.com/laws/latest/fouls-and-misconduct
    Not every touch of a player's hand/arm with the ball is an offence.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessA player carelessly trips an opponent in the middle of the field. What restart does the other team get?Sports & FitnessA player kicks a high, dangerous boot near an opponent's head but makes no contact. What is the restart?Sports & FitnessWhen is a penalty kick awarded?

That's stuff everyone should know.