Soccer Rules Practice Exam

What constitutes an offense in soccer that involves any part of the arm below the armpit?

1. Fifty-fifty ball

2. Ball in and out of play

3. Hand ball

4. Advantage rule

The correct answer is: Hand ball

In soccer, an offense involving the use of the arm is defined as a "handball." This occurs when a player deliberately touches the ball with any part of the arm that is below the armpit. The rule is designed to maintain fair play and ensure that players do not use their arms to gain an unfair advantage over opponents. When a handball is called, the opposing team is awarded a free kick or a penalty kick, depending on the location of the offense. The other options do not pertain to the handling of the ball. A fifty-fifty ball refers to a situation where two players have equal opportunity to gain possession of the ball. "Ball in and out of play" deals with the circumstances under which the ball is considered active in the game or not, while the "advantage rule" allows the game to continue after a foul if the team that was fouled retains possession and is in a favorable position to play the ball. None of these options relate specifically to offenses involving the arm, making handball the correct identification of the offense in question.