Falling and handling

[bainsey]

Varsity girls' game this week.

Defender one-timed a ball that was slowly working its way out of the penalty area. As she gave chase, she tripped herself, and instinctively put out her hands up and out to break the fall. One of those hands came right down on top of the ball, one yard inside the penalty area.

This was an easy call, although unfortunate, as no-one was even around her. Hand in an unnatural position to ball , handling, PK.

The next day, I'm describing the play to a veteran official. He said that really doesn't meet the spirit of handling, and he may have gone with a dangerous play (which I can't imagine, as no-one is around her).

Your thoughts?