<P> In association football, the back - pass rule refers to an offence within Law 12, Section 2 of the Laws of the Game . This offence is committed when the goalkeeper handles the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to them by a team - mate, or after receiving it directly from a throw - in taken by a team - mate . </P> <P> The back - pass rule was introduced in 1992 to discourage time - wasting and overly defensive play after the 1990 World Cup was described as exceedingly dull, rife with back - passing and goalkeepers holding up the ball . </P> <P> An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the place where the offence occurred, i.e. where the goalkeeper handled the ball . In practice, this offence is very rarely committed . </P> <P> USSF has provided the following guidance on how this offence should be judged by referees: </P>

What happens if goalie picks up back pass