Me and a couple of my teammates were joking around about this a few days ago and we can't seem to figure out the ruling on it. If you were to catch the ball inside your shirt without it ever touching your hands and then carry the ball down the field and run into the goal with it still in your shirt, what would the ruling be.
I'll have to take the time to double check the exact "by the book" answer, but the simple version is that it would certainly not be a goal, it is quite obviously contrary to the spirit of the game, and IIRC it would be a caution for unsporting behavior.
IMO, the shirt would become an extension of the hand (similar to a shoe or shin guard being held or thrown), thus this would be a handling offense. DFK to the opposition and a very likely caution for USB.
US interpretation ATR 12.9 A player infringes the Law regarding handling the ball even if direct contact is avoided by holding somthing in the hand (clothing, shinguard, etc.). FIFA interpretation (from Interpretation of the LOTG and guidelines for referees) touching the ball with an object held in the hand (clothing, shinguard, etc) counts as an infringement. Also they both say that it is a caution for Unsporting Behavior for handling the ball in an attempt to score a goal.
Even if you could get the ball under your shirt without holding the shirt in your hands, it still wouldn't work. You would be called for dangerous play and unsporting behavior (yellow card). It is similar to trapping the ball between your legs and hopping with it towards the goal. The opponent is unable to make a move on the ball without endangering you.
Had this happen in a match the other day. I carded for USB and gave a direct free-kick (he actually handled it otherwise I probably would have thought indirect). He argued that he was allowed to do this! And on top of his own penalty area to boot!
They used to have a question like this on the state USSF refresher test years back. Player takes a shoe, holds it in his hand and uses it to deflect the ball outside the PA. What is the restart? obvious...DFK for hand ball.
another related question: what if a team formed a circle around the ball where everyone was within playing distance of it (no impeding)
3 possibilities I can think of. 1. it just wouldn't work. 2. they'd end up impeding, because good luck getting everyone to stay in a tight formation around the ball. 3. the most likely thing in my mind, the other team just pushes them out of the way and takes the ball. With a big group trying to barricade the ball it'd probably be really easy for the opposition to legally charge their way through and win the ball. Didn't you see "Mighty Ducks 2"?
Ahhh, "the Flying Wedge". Actually had an indoor team try this. Two of our players just stood in the way of the wedge, which then ran them over. Ref called the "pushing foul" we got the ball