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:Usually special rules apply to the goalkeeper that do not apply to the other players. These rules are often instituted to protect the goalkeeper, being an obvious target for dangerous or even violent actions.

The usual rule about GK protection is: "Opponent cannot make body contact in the penalty arch with goalkeeper not in possession of the ball unless the referee deems such contact as inadvertent during normal course of play. Contacts deemed as not inadvertent shall be punished by a free kick, but no time penalty.   Referee should penalize serious fouls committed by an opponent against the goalkeeper with a time penalty". (From NTSSA , but the same rule is applied for most facilities)

Kentucky rules, i.e., has an extensive explanation:

"GOALKEEPER PRIVILEGES -

a. If a player intentionally impedes the opposing goalkeeper in an attempt to prevent him putting the ball into play, the referee shall award a free kick.  All opposing players must be at least 3 feet away from the goalkeeper, if the goalkeeper is in the goal area, on all restarts when the ball is played toward the goalkeeper.

b. Endangering the goalkeeper: A player who intentionally commits a foul against the goalkeeper which, in the opinion of the referee, falls short of serious foul play (ejection) but, nevertheless, endangers the goalkeeper beyond what is considered to be a normal hazard of play shall be assessed a time penalty.

c. The goalkeeper shall have clear possession of the ball when he has it held in both hands or pinned against the floor, wall, post or crossbar with one or both hands".

In the other hand, there also restriction for GK activities on the field:

Goalkeeper Restrictions

The usul rules about this item are:

• The goalkeeper may touch the ball with his hands only while it is in the penalty area.
• The goalkeeper cannot handle the ball if it was intentionally played to him/her from the foot of a teammate.
• If the goalkeeper catches the ball in live play, s/he has the option to punt or drop kick the ball, or may put the ball down and use the feet to put the ball into play.
• Once s/he has put the ball on the ground, s/he may not handle the ball again until\par an opponent touches the ball or the ball goes out of play.
• The goalkeeper may not intentionally bring the ball into the penalty area to handle the ball. This will result in a kick from the top of the penalty area for the opposing team.
• The goalkeeper may not be charged while s/he is the own penalty area and in possession of the ball.
• In games where slide tackle is banned, the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to slide and can only do so in the penalty area. If the goalkeeper momentum carries out of the penalty area, the slide is allowed.
• When the goalkeeper, inside the penalty area, has possession of the ball by either hand or foot s/he shall have 5 seconds to distribute the ball outside the penalty area and back into play, and will have unlimited steps while in the penalty area.
• Opposing players may not challenge or block a goalkeeper attempt to throw the ball back into play unless they are at least 5 yards away from the goalkeeper in possession of the ball. Any attempt to do so will result in a two-minute time penalty.

For specific rules in different facilities, go to facilites page, and/or rules page

Interesting links:

• Goalkeepers are different
• Goalkeeping: techniques, training, etc.

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