Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper (GK, keeper or goalie) is a position in football whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by standing in front of the frame of the goal and stopping the ball from passing the goal-line.
Goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands within their penalty area making them (outside throw-ins) the only players on the field permitted to handle the ball. The special status of goalkeepers is indicated by them wearing different coloured kits from their teammates. Most goalkeepers wear gloves to improve their performance and to protect themselves from injury, but wearing gloves is not compulsory.
The rules regarding Goalkeeper position is described in the Laws of the Game.