A Goalkeeper Is the Only Player Who May Use Hands
A goalie guards the goal. The role has its own rules, and they have changed considerably over the years.
A goalie is the player defending the goal. Football grants them a unique exemption from the basic rule of the game, but with limits that keep tightening: since 1992 a goalkeeper may not pick up a deliberate back-pass from a teammate's foot, a change introduced specifically to stop teams wasting time.
- A goalkeeper. *A brilliant goalie.*
- Goalkeeper — the full term. *The reserve goalkeeper.*
- Netminder — an informal synonym. *An experienced netminder.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | goalie | A young goalie. |
| Plural | goalies | Two goalies. |
| Full form | goalkeeper | The first-choice goalkeeper. |
| Noun | goal | A late goal. |
| Related | keeper | A safe pair of hands. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The goalie saved the penalty.Football.
- The back-pass rule changed in 1992.To stop time-wasting.
- Goal originally meant a boundary or limit.Hence a goal in life.
Goalkeeper rules
- Handling — only inside the penalty area
- Back-pass rule — cannot handle a deliberate pass from a teammate's foot
- Six-second rule — cannot hold the ball indefinitely
- Distinct kit — must wear colours different from both teams
- Penalties — must stay on the line until the ball is kicked
From *goal*, of uncertain origin, possibly meaning a boundary or limit, plus the informal *-ie* ending.
What is the back-pass rule?
Since 1992, a goalkeeper may not handle a ball deliberately kicked to them by a teammate. It was introduced to stop time-wasting.
Why must the goalkeeper wear different colours?
So that referees and players can identify the one person permitted to handle the ball.