What is considered a handball offense?

A handball offense occurs when a player deliberately handles the ball with their hand or arm. This is a fundamental rule in soccer designed to ensure fair play; players are not allowed to use their hands to control the ball, except for goalkeepers within their own penalty area. The key aspect of this offense is the word "deliberately," as intent plays a crucial role in determining whether a violation has occurred. If a player attempts to play the ball and it accidentally strikes their arm or hand, it is typically not deemed a handball under the laws of the game.

In contrast, the other options describe actions that are either related to different fouls or simply not part of the handball rule. For instance, having the ball hit a player's foot or offside situations involve other regulations concerning ball control and positioning but do not pertain to intentional handling of the ball. Similarly, kicking another player is classified as a foul under different rules regarding misconduct rather than a handball offense. Hence, recognizing what constitutes a handball is vital for both players and officials in maintaining the integrity of the game.