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Usually special rules apply to the goalkeeper that do not hold for the other players. These rules are often instated to protect the goalkeeper, being an obvious target for dangerous or even violent actions. In addition, in certain sports like ice hockey, they are required to wear special equipment like heavy pads and a face mask to protect their bodies from impact from the play object like a puck.
In football (soccer), the goalkeeper defends their team's goal and has special privileges within the game. The goalkeeper is the only player who may use their hands and arms to control the ball and then only when it is within the penalty area. Once a goalkeeper has possession of the ball he may not be challenged for possession but must release the ball within six seconds and may not regain possession until another player has touched the ball. (Possession is defined as using his hands or arms to control the ball)