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When a player commits a handball during active play, the appropriate action is to award a free kick to the opposing team. This rule is grounded in the understanding that a handball offense occurs when a player deliberately handles the ball with their hand or arm, which is against the laws of the game.

The awarding of a free kick serves to penalize the offending player and restore fairness by giving the opposing team the opportunity to regain possession of the ball. This can take place either where the offense occurred or from the spot of the handball, depending on where it happens on the field and if it is inside the penalty area.

It’s important to note that the other options do not align with the laws. Pausing the game for a yellow card is a disciplinary action and not a direct consequence of all handball offenses. Similarly, allowing play to continue unless the ball goes out ignores the nature of the foul, and a penalty kick is only awarded if the handball offense occurs within the offending player’s penalty area. Thus, the correct course of action in the event of a handball during active play is indeed a free kick awarded to the opposing team.