Hi, first post here but am pleased to have found the site as it's been helpful so far. I've searched and obviously, there are many handball threads but none that appear to apply to my question. Or, perhaps it's so obvious that I shouldn't be asking.
I have been refereeing girls development matches, ages 8-10, mainly to build experience but also because they have a severe lack of refs available in my area. One occurrence that happens quite often is that when the ball is kicked at chest height girls have a tendency to put their arms up to protect their chest and the ball hits the arms. Not making the body larger necessarily (and the arms are tight in front of the chest), and it's a reaction they can't control very well at this age. However, there are shouts from players and sidelines to blow for the offence.
Does a reaction constitute a deliberate action, therefore requiring a foul to be given? The body is made larger, but not, in my opinion unnaturally - it's not like they are waving them around. But, it's clear that it does hit the arm or hand in self-protection.
What do/would you do?
I have been refereeing girls development matches, ages 8-10, mainly to build experience but also because they have a severe lack of refs available in my area. One occurrence that happens quite often is that when the ball is kicked at chest height girls have a tendency to put their arms up to protect their chest and the ball hits the arms. Not making the body larger necessarily (and the arms are tight in front of the chest), and it's a reaction they can't control very well at this age. However, there are shouts from players and sidelines to blow for the offence.
Does a reaction constitute a deliberate action, therefore requiring a foul to be given? The body is made larger, but not, in my opinion unnaturally - it's not like they are waving them around. But, it's clear that it does hit the arm or hand in self-protection.
What do/would you do?