Home Laws Advice Fitness SiteMap Links Set Pieces Discuss Search corshamref.org.uk

Law 16 - The Goal Kick

The aim of this page is to recognise a correct goal kick and how to deal with any infringements.

1. Introduction:
2. Procedure:
3. Infringements/Sanctions:
4. Action by Referee and Assistant Referee: including positioning:
5. Questions and Answers:

1. Introduction: Go to top of this page

There are three possible decisions when the ball passes over the goal line. (The goal line is the line between the corner flags at the ends of the field of play).

goal kick - if the ball was last touched by an attacking player and a goal was not scored

corner kick - if the ball was last touched by a defending player and a goal was not scored

kick off - if a goal is scored (i.e. during play, the whole of the ball crosses the goal line between the goal posts.

There are three possible decisions when the ball passes over the goal line.

A goal kick is one method of restarting play when the ball has left the field of play and has travelled beyond the boundary lines.

Players from either team cannot be offside directly from a goal kick. In other words, a player can not be offside if he receives the ball directly from a goal kick taken by a player of his own team(or a throw-in or a corner kick). (See Question 9 below)

A goal may be scored directly into the opponents goal from a goal kick.
It would take some kick to do this !!!!

You can not score a goal in your own goal direct from taking a goal kick in your penalty area. Daft as it may seem - as a player - I have actually seen this done. A defending colleague of mine (Dear Colin) decided that he would take a quick goal kick. Just as he was about to pass the ball to a team member on the edge of the penalty area, an attacker quickly anticipated Colin's intention. Colin then quickly decided that he would then kick the ball to another colleague who was standing on the opposite corner of the penalty area. In doing so, Colin got his legs tangled beneath him and actually kicked the ball directly onto his goal. The Referee took a few moments to decide that the goal kick had to be taken again - because the ball had not actually left the penalty area.

During the taking of a goal kick, if the ball leaves the penalty area, and is then promptly blown back into the goal kicker's own goal, a corner kick must be awarded to the opposing team - because the ball did come into play by leaving the penalty area and the goal kicker was the last person to touch the ball. You cannot score a own-goal directly from a goal kick.

A goal kick is awarded when:

the whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the attacking team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10 (Method of Scoring). Beware when the ball is crossed over by an attacking player from a wide position near the touchline, and it crosses over the goal line, out of play in flight, and then bends back into play - a goal kick must be awarded because the ball initially went out of play over the goal line.

2. Procedure: Go to top of this page

In an effort to speed up the game during the taking of a goal kick, the ball can be kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team. In other words, if the ball was last touched by an attacking player and it crosses the goal line to the right of the right hand goalpost, then the resulting goal kick can be taken on the left hand side of the goal area (or any other part of the goal area).

the ball must be placed so that it touches the ground within the goal area, including the lines which enclose it. The outer edge of the ball could extend beyond or outside the goal area itself and still meet this requirement so long as it does not break the plane of the goal area boundary lines.

OK

Inside Goal area Not OK

Outside Goal area

Note: The ball only leaves any area of the field of play, when it has passed wholly over one of the boundary lines that encompasses that particular area.

opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play (the ball is in play as soon as it leaves the penalty area). Attackers are not permitted to run across or into the penalty area to intercept the ball, until the ball has left the penalty area (if this happens, then the goal kick must be retaken.)

the kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area.

the ball must be stationary.

(Note: Although the Laws of Associated Football (LOAF) do not actually mention that the ball has to be stationary, the FA (England) Basic Syllabus Note 16a Goal Kick page. TN 53 under sub-heading "Taking the Goal Kick" clearly states "Ball must be stationary".
A stationary ball has normally been the accepted mode when a goal kick is being taken.
It may be argued that because a "stationary ball" is not specifically mentioned in Law 16, that a loop-hole exists that allows goal kicks to be taken with a moving ball. But this is certainly not 'in the spirit of the Law' where all so-called 'dead-ball' restarts always commence with a stationary ball. In my opinion, allowing a goal kick to be taken with a moving ball, is a backward step that is NEVER seen at the higher levels where quality decisions of this nature are taken sensibly as they are meant to be - so why should Referees try to invent invisible clauses (and problems for themselves) at the lower levels?
The Referee need not be over-officious and stop play or make a big issue from such an apparently trivial matter if the ball is only slightly moving during the taking of a goal kick. Allow the goal kick to proceed in most cases. But have a quite word with the goalkeeper when you are next alongside him –and ask him to make sure the ball is stationary next time. This is a much better way of dealing with such incidents
WebMaster)

a player of the team awarded the goal kick must take the goal kick.
In other words, a member of the opposition cannot take the goal kick.

3. Infringements/Sanctions: Go to top of this page

If the ball is not kicked directly into play beyond the penalty area:

the goal kick must be retaken

Goal kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker's penalty area

Goal kick taken by the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred

* an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

*One way that this could happen, is if during the taking of a goal kick, the ball is lofted up into the air, travels outside of the penalty area (it is then deemed to be in play) and is then blown back into the penalty area without being touched by another player. If the goalkeeper then touches it with his hands you must award an indirect free kick, and not a penalty. Daft as it seems, I have actually seen this happen during a game played in very blustery conditions.

Another way this daft law could happen, is for the ball to deflect back off the Referee who is standing outside of the penalty area when the goal kick is taken!

For any other infringement of this Law: Go to top of this page

the kick is retaken (For example - during the taking of a goal kick, an attacker cuts across the penalty area before the ball has left the penalty area, and intercepts the ball by making a challenge on a defender who is outside of the penalty area with the ball.) The Referee should advise the attacker about the breach of this Law. Defenders can take up any position that they want either inside or outside of the area during the taking of a goal kick; but opponents must remain outside of the penalty area until the ball leaves the penalty area.

if a player taking a goal kick, kicks the ball slightly backwards and the ball then leaves the penalty area and crosses over the goal line between the player's penalty area and the corner flag - the a corner must be awarded.
Because the ball has travelled outside of the penalty area, it is deemed in play.
If it then travels over the player's own goal line it must be a corner (as the ball was last touched by the defending player himself).

A corner must be awarded if the ball goes directly out after leaving the penalty area.

conversely, if a player taking a goal kick, kicks the ball slightly backwards and the ball does not leave the penalty area and then it crosses the player's goal line inside his penalty area - then the goal kick must be retaken.
Because the ball had not travelled outside of the penalty area, it is deemed to be not yet in play. The goal kick must therefore be retaken.

Because the ball had not travelled travelled outside of the penalty area, it is deemed not yet in play.

and again as a reminder - a goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team. In other words, a goal is not allowed if you take a goal kick, in your own penalty area and the ball is then blown directly back into your own goal after leaving your penalty area.
A corner kick is to be awarded to the opposition if this ever happens !!!!!!!

A corner kick is to be awarded to the opposition if this ever happens !!!!!!!

if a defender takes a goal kick, and kicks it to his goalkeeper who is just outside of his penalty area, and the goalkeeper then dribbles the ball back into his penalty area and picks the ball up, you must award an indirect free kick to the opposing team. The goal keeper has circumnavigated the 'back-pass' law by ignoring the spirit of the Law.

a goal kick is awarded when the ball enters the goal directly from an indirect free kick taken by an opposing player.

a goal kick is awarded if the ball enters the goal directly from a throw in taken by the opposing team.

a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team if the ball enters the thrower's own goal directly from his own throw in.

if during the taking of a goal kick, one team continually plays the ball before it leaves the penalty area, the Referee should penalise the offenders for time wasting.

if the ball stops rolling before it leaves the penalty area, the goal kick must be retaken.

Time-wasting by the team taking the goal kick. Go to top of this page

Example 1: If upon being awarded a goal kick, the defending team blatantly wastes time by placing the ball within the goal area in preparation for the restart and then subsequently moving it unnecessarily to another location within the goal area. This can be deemed as time wasting.

Example 2: When the ball has travelled some distance behind the goal, the winning goalkeeper takes an age to collect a ball for the goal kick. This can be deemed as time wasting. This usually happens when towards the end of the game.

The Referee should firstly warn the culprit about his time wasting tactics. If this continues, the Referee should caution the player concerned - for delaying the restart of play.

4. Action by Referee and Assistant Referee: Go to top of this page

The Referee will take the following actions during and after a goal kick has been awarded:

The Referee should signal the award of a goal kick by pointing an outstretched, slightly downward arm towards the goal area - and hold this signal for about 5 seconds. This will demonstrate your decision to all players.

You do not necessarily have to blow your whistle when awarding each goal kick. You only need to blow the whistle if players are in any doubt as to whether you have decided that the ball has travelled out of play over the goal line.

Once you have indicated a goal kick, start moving backwards to a new position near the centre of the pitch to observe any fouls in the drop zone, when the goalkeeper takes the goal kick. Be aware also, of fouls committed whilst the ball is still in air following the taking of a goal kick. Try and position yourself to allow a sideways view of players contesting for the ball delivered from a goal kick. You soon learn just how far an individual goalkeeper can kick the ball during a goal kick. Do not stand on the centre spot - move out towards the touchline to enable a good panoramic view of the drop zone. (The drop zone is where you think the ball will be delivered during a goal kick.)

Do not turn your back on play before the goal kick has been taken. This is one of the commonest mistakes made by new Referees. Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. It only takes a second for the goalkeeper to take a goal kick, and an attacker then illegally and quickly enters the penalty area, gains possession of the ball before it has left the penalty area and scores a goal - and all done when you (the Referee) are walking away with your back to the ball !!

The Assistant Referee will take the following actions to signal to the Referee that the ball has passed over the goal line for a goal kick, and to check that the goal keeper completes the goal kick correctly.

the normal signal for a goal kick, is to stand sideways to the field of play, adjacent to the goal area line (i.e. 6 yards (5.5m) up the touchline and away from the corner flag) and raise an outstretched flag 90 degrees out from the body and towards the field of play.

or use body language by facing sideways to the field of play, facing towards the half-way line, with your flag in your hand pointing downwards along your leg. If there is any dispute between players as to whether the ball has passed over the goal line or not - the Assistant Referee should use the flag signal method above. Using the body language method to indicate a goal kick, allows the Referee to subtly overrule his Assistant Referee and award a corner kick without the players knowing that the Assistant Referee had been overruled.

the Assistant Referee will check that the goalkeeper has placed the ball inside the goal area before moving swiftly to take up a position alongside the second last defender to observe any offsides following the taking of the goal kick. Common sense dictates that the Assistant Referee cannot be in two places at the same time. He should periodically check the correct positioning of the ball during a goal kick, but he should concentrate on the more important aspect of offside.

the Assistant Referee and/or the Referee will check to see that the ball has travelled outside the penalty area before another player touches it.

See my Positioning Page for details of all Referee positions on the Field of Play

The following Fig 4 is part of the Positioning page, and purposefully repeats some of the advice given above.

Fig. 4 . Goal Kick Go to top of this page

As soon as the Referee has indicated a goal kick, he should start moving backwards to a new position near the centre of the field of play, in readiness to observe any fouls in the drop zone when the goal kick is being taken.

The Referee should look out for fouls committed whilst the ball is still in air following the taking of a goal kick. Referees should aim to position themselves to allow a sideways view of the players contesting for the ball as it is being delivered from the goal kick. Referees will need to anticipate just how far an individual goalkeeper can kick the ball during a goal kick.

Referees should never turn their back on the active players before a goal kick has been taken - this is a common mistake made by new Referees. The Referee must keep his eyes on the ball at all times during the taking of a goal kick. It only takes a fraction of a second (whilst the Referee has his back turned) for the goalkeeper to take a goal kick, and an attacker then illegally enters the penalty area, gains possession of the ball before it has left the penalty area and scores a goal - and all done when the Referee is walking away and looking in the opposite direction !!

The Assistant Referee nearest to the respective goal should signal to the Referee when the ball has passed over the goal line for a goal kick, and check that the goal keeper completes the goal kick correctly. The Assistant Referee should position himself slightly up the touchline from the corner flag, adjacent to the level of the goal area line (see AR position, top right in Fig. 4). The Assistant Referee should stand sideways to the field of play (facing up towards the half way line) and raise an outstretched flag 90 degrees out horizontally from the body and towards the goal.

The Assistant Referee can also use body language (depending on the Referee's instruction to him at the beginning of the game). To signal a goal kick using body language, the Assistant Referee should face sideways to the field of play (facing up towards the half way line) with his flag pointing down the inside leg (i.e. so that the Referee has a clear view of the flag). If there is any dispute between players as to whether the ball has passed over the goal line, or whether it is a corner kick or a goal kick - the Assistant Referee should always use his flag for a sharp signal.

The Assistant Referee will check that the goalkeeper has placed the ball inside the goal area before moving swiftly up field along the touchline, and taking up a position alongside the second last defender (to observe any offsides following the taking of the goal kick).

The Assistant Referee and/or the Referee will check to see that the ball has travelled outside the penalty area before another player touches it.

Common sense dictates that the Assistant Referee cannot be in two places at the same time. He should periodically check the correct positioning of the ball during goal kicks, but he should concentrate more on the important aspect of offside.

It is more important for the Assistant Referee to be in a position to judge offside, than it is to worry about whether a ball is in the goal area (or not) before the taking of a goal kick. A good compromise (starting point) is for the Assistant Referees to stand up field, adjacent to the edge of the penalty area. (i.e. 18 yards up from the corner flag).

This allows the Assistant Referee to judge the positioning of the ball in the goal area, and lessens the distance he will have to sprint up the touchline to get alongside the second last defender, when the goal kick is taken.

During the taking of goal kicks, Referees should move out towards the touchline to enable a good panoramic sideways view of the drop zone. (The drop zone is where the Referee anticipates that the ball will reach during a goal kick.)

By standing to one side, the Referee can watch for any pushing or shirt pulling between contesting players.

Once the ball has reached the drop-zone the Referee should adjust his position back onto (or near to) his diagonal.

One major consideration for the Referee to contemplate - is that he should place himself in such a position, that he will have a sideways view of the drop-zone (where the ball will reach), and that the drop-zone is between the Referee and the Assistant Referee nearest to where the Referee anticipates play will progress towards.

Fig. 4 . Goal Kick

As soon as the Referee has indicated a goal kick, he should start moving backwards to a new position near the centre of the field of play,

It is not recommended that Referees stand in the centre circle (unless the ball is going to be punted out near one of the touchlines).

Positioning during the taking of goal kicks, very much depends on a number of factors:

(a).... which side of the goal area is the goal kick being taken from, or the ability of the goalkeeper (e.g. how far can he kick the ball),

(b).... the weather (which direction is the wind blowing ?),

(c)....the skill of the players (one team may be better than the other team when contesting for high balls),

(d)....the state of the field of play (the goal area may resemble a muddy patch, making it difficult for the goalkeeper to kick the ball properly - or the grass may be too long) and finally,

(e)....the age of the player taking the goal kick (a youth player will not be able to kick the ball as far as a senior player).

There are two basic positions for a Referee to stand during the taking of a goal kick (positions (1)'s and (2)'s shown in Fig. 4). The positions can vary slightly - depending on the factors mentioned above.

For example: if the square team goalkeeper at the top of Fig. 4 has a good long range kicking ability, the Referee should stand at the farthest downfield position (2). This will enable the Referee to have a good panoramic view of the play area.

Conversely, if the square team goalkeeper at the top of Fig. 4 has a weak kick, or the wind is blowing strongly towards him, the Referee could stand in either of the positions marked No.1.

An experienced Referee will consider all of the factors before anticipating where the ball will land during the taking of a goal kick. There is no correct position for him to stand. The Referee needs to gauge and adjust his positioning during every goal kick. As a rule of thumb, the Referee should not position himself inside the centre circle (but this position can be taken if there is a very strong wind blowing across the field of play, and the Referee anticipates that the ball will land on the halfway line, somewhere near the touch-line).

5. Questions and Answers: Go to top of this page

Additional Questions and Answers provided by FIFA covering all of the Laws of the game, can be found on this web site here. The original FIFA Questions and Answers pdf file can be downloaded from the FIFA web site here.

Question 1: With regards to Goal Kick positions 1 or 2 in Figure 4 above.

If you are looking at Fig. 4 like it is, and the ‘Square’ team goalkeeper is taking the goal kick from the LEFT side of his goal area; where should the centre Referee stand if the goalkeeper has a good kick, the weather is calm, and the field of play is in good condition? Should the Referee stand in position 1 or should he stand in position 2?

Answer 1: Under these circumstances, the best position to stand is in position 2 depending on how far the goalkeeper can kick the ball. By standing in this position, the Referee will have the ‘drop zone’ between himself and the Assistant Referee on the far side of the field (bottom left). By taking this position, the Referee will also be positioned closer to the bottom ‘Round’ team’s goal should the ball continue onwards in that direction. If the ball is ‘headed’ back up towards the top ‘Square’ team’s goal, the greater distance that the ball has to travel will give the Referee more time to catch up with play, by running back up his diagonal towards the ‘Square Team’s goal.

One of the greatest factors to consider under these circumstances, is which team is better at winning the high balls. For example, if the ‘Round’ team at the bottom of the diagram has a tall midfielder who is good at winning high balls, then the Referee would be better taking position 1. The clue to the answer is anticipating both where the ‘drop zone’ is, AND which team is most likely to win the ball (thus anticipating where the ball will travel).

Question 2: With regards to Goal Kick positions 1 or 2 in Figure 4 above.

If you are looking at Fig. 4 like it is, and the ‘Square’ team goalkeeper is taking the goal kick from the RIGHT side of his goal area, where should the centre Referee stand if the goalkeeper has a good kick, the weather is calm, and the field of play is in good condition? Should the Referee stand in position 1 or should he stand in position 2?

Answer 2: – the answer is the same as Answer 1 above, except that the Referee should stand further to the right, nearer to the touch line. In other words, the Referee will need to position himself to get a wider view of the field of play. This can mean standing on top of the left touch line itself, or even outside of it. Conversely, if the Referee anticipates that the ‘Square’ team’s goalkeeper at the top of Fig 4 will kick the ball towards the left touch line, the Referee will need to move nearer to the centre of the field of play, and position himself closer to the ‘drop zone’.

Question 3: Where does the team awarded a goal-kick have to place the ball, can they place it anywhere they choose within the goal area?

Answer 3: The Laws used to require that the goal kick be taken on the side of goal on which the ball went out. This changed several years ago and players can place the ball anywhere inside the goal area.

Question 4: What action should the Referee take during a goal kick, if the ball just makes it to the penalty area line and stops there?

Answer 4: The lines are part of the penalty area; therefore a ball sitting on the line is actually still within the penalty area and has therefore not come into play. The goal kick should be retaken.

Question 5: If the ball fails to clear the penalty area during the taking of a goal kick and the goal kicker touches it again before it has left the penalty area - what action should the Referee take ?

Answer 5: So long as the ball has not left the penalty area, it is simply not in play and players can pick it up, stuff it under their shirt, balance it on their head, whatever, with the only penalty being a retake of the goal kick, subject to unsporting behaviour and a repeated infringement of time wasting which should be disciplined accordingly.

Question 6: When can the kicking team's goalkeeper safely pick up a ball following a a goal kick by his own team?

Answer 6: Only when the ball has first passed completely out of the penalty area and has then been touched by an opposing player can the goalkeeper safely pick it up. He may not handle a ball which has been intentionally kicked back to him to him by a team-mate. He may handle the ball if it is returned to him by a team mate - but only if the pass/touch by the colleague was unintentional.

Question 7: How far can a ball be kicked during a goal kick ?

Answer 7: In general, (so long as it leaves the penalty area) it can be kicked as far as you want. However, most tournaments that play six-a side for instance, as well as most indoor football venues may stipulate other rules. Some even allow the goalkeeper to throw the ball out during a goal kick.

Question 8: The Assistant Referee has signalled for a goal kick but the Referee has awarded a corner kick ?

Answer 8: The actions of the Assistant Referee are subject to the decision of the Referee. Regardless of who was technically "correct", a corner kick would normally be awarded - although it may be prudent to have a word with your Assistant Referee beforehand. The Referee should listen to his Assistant Referee's advice, and make a judgement accordingly. But the final decision lies is the prerogative of the Referee.

Question 9: If a goalkeeper (during the taking of a goal kick) kicks the ball directly up field to an attacking colleague standing in an offside position in the opponent's goal area at the other end of the field, and the attacking player subsequently heads the ball into the opponents goal - is the goal legal, or should this attacking player be penalised for being offside?

Answer 9: A player cannot be offside if he receives the ball directly from a goal kick (or a throw-in or a corner kick). In this instance, the ball did not touch any other player and the attacker received it directly from the goal kick. The attacker can not be penalised for being offside direct from a goal kick, and therefore the goal counts.

An attacking player in this position can of course be penalised for offside if the ball is received by him directly when his goalkeeper kicks the ball from his hands or from a free kick.

It is sometimes difficult for an Assistant Referee who is watching for offside, to ascertain if the Referee has given a direct free kick to the defending team in their goal area at the other end of the field, or a goal kick. If the ball is directly received from a goal kick by an attacking player in an offside position, then he should not be penalised for being offside. Conversely, if the ball is directly received by an offside attacking player from a free kick (taken in that attacking player's own goal area) then he should be penalised for being offside. In these instances (to help his Assistant Referees) the Referee should use clear hand and arm signals to differentiate between a goal kick and a free kick given in the goal areas.

Question 10: At the taking of a goal kick the ball is in the goal area but it is ROLLING when the goalkeeper kicks it beyond the penalty area. Is the ball in play or not?

Answer 10: Albeit that Law 13 The Free kick clearly stipulates that the ball must be stationary when a free kick is taken; as the question rightly implies, there is no such written stipulation in Law 16 The Goal Kick (nor in Law 17 The Corner Kick). And neither does it state that if the kick is taken when the ball is NOT stationary, that the kick must be taken again. The only hint of help given, is the statement "For any other infringement of this Law, the kick is retaken.

The requirement of a stationary ball during a goal kick and a corner kick has been accepted and understood by all throughout the history of football. The current England FA Basic Syllabus Part Two ‘ The Teaching Notes’ used by Referee Instructors, does categorically state in its Law 16 & Law 17 notes, that the ball must be stationary. And this is where new Referees will learn how these kicks are to be taken correctly.

Even though the Law does not exactly ‘spell it out’ - allowing a goal kick or a corner kick to proceed whilst the ball is ‘rolling’ is unacceptable. Why? – Because if you do, you will leave yourself open to ridicule. There are two decisions you can make if the ball is rolling.

1. Insist that the kick be retaken.

2.Allow the kick to proceed.

I think that most other Referees and I will take option 1.

(Note: Although the Laws of Associated Football (LOAF) do not actually mention that the ball has to be stationary, the FA (England) Basic Syllabus Note 16a Goal Kick page. TN 53 under sub-heading "Taking the Goal Kick" clearly states "Ball must be stationary".
A stationary ball has normally been the accepted mode when a goal kick is being taken.
It may be argued that because a "stationary ball" is not specifically mentioned in Law 16, that a loop-hole exists that allows goal kicks to be taken with a moving ball. But this is certainly not 'in the spirit of the Law' where all so-called 'dead-ball' restarts always commence with a stationary ball. In my opinion, allowing a goal kick to be taken with a moving ball, is a backward step that is NEVER seen at the higher levels where quality decisions of this nature are taken sensibly as they are meant to be - so why should Referees try to invent invisible clauses (and problems for themselves) at the lower levels? (WebMaster)

Question 11: If the goalkeeper touches the ball second time after taking a goal kick, but before the ball travels outside of the penalty area. How shall the Referee restart the match?

Answer 11: Law 16 (The Goal Kick) states: "If the ball is not kicked directly into play beyond the penalty area - the goal kick must be retaken."

If the Referee believes that the goalkeeper (or any other player) is deliberately wasting time by purposefully making the ball stop just inside the penalty area whilst taking a goal kick, the Referee should caution the goalkeeper for unsporting behaviour, and add the time on at the end of the half.

Question 12: A Blue Team goalkeeper takes a goal kick. At the moment of taking the goal kick there were still two Red team attacking players inside the penalty area. Whilst the ball was going out of the penalty area, one of the Red team attacking players ran outside of the penalty area (very close to the trajectory of the ball), and caught the ball with his hands outside of the penalty area. Should the Referee award a direct free kick outside of the penalty area against the attacking player for deliberately handling the ball, or should the goal kick be retaken?

Answer 12: The one factor that determines whether the ball is in play or not following the taking of a goal kick, is that it must pass completely outside of the penalty area before it is deemed to be in play. For any infringements occurring between the taking of the goal kick, and the ball passing completely out of the penalty area – (if the Referee stops play) the game must be restarted with the retaking of the goal kick. At the precise moment that the goalkeeper the question took the goal kick, there were two attacking players inside the penalty area. This is an infringement of Law 16, and therefore the kick must be retaken.

Note: If an infringement occurs between the taking of the goal kick, and the ball passing completely out of the penalty area, play can be allowed to continue if it is to the advantage of the team taking the goal kick.

Question 13: If the goalkeeper puts the ball in play by positioning the ball for the goal kick, then decides to reposition the ball, and thereby moves the ball to a different part of the goal area, isn't that really 2 touches, and therefore disallowed?

Answer 13: The easiest way to remember the many goal kick infringements is to ingrain into your mind, that the ball only comes into play when it leaves the penalty area.

The restart for any infringements occurring before the ball travels wholly outside of the penalty area is to retake the goal kick – because as mentioned above – the ball had not come into play. The ploy of moving the ball about before a goal kick is taken, is usually done to waste time (and the Referee must ensure that he ‘hurries-up’ the goalkeeper). If the goalkeeper takes no notice of the Referees first warning – then the goalkeeper should be cautioned. It is suggested that the Referee does not need to continue giving unheeded warnings to the goalkeeper, but to allow the keeper the benefit of the doubt on the first occasion, then deal strongly with him should he ‘try it on again’.

Notwithstanding the above – some leeway should be given when the repositioning of the ball is due to the condition of the field of play, or when there is a strong wind to contend with. In these cases, the Referee must make up his own mind whether the repositioning of the ball is for a genuine reason or not. It is usually very obvious!

Question 14: Before the ball has left the penalty area during the taking of a goal kick - an opponent strikes a defender. What action should the Referee take.

Answer 14: Stop play immediately. Send off the opponent. Retake the goal kick - because the ball had not come into play by leaving the penalty area when play was stopped.

Question 15: During a goal kick, the ball is accidentally kicked over the goal line inside the penalty area. What action should the Referee take.

Answer 15: Retake the goal kick - as the ball had not come into play by leaving the penalty area.

Retake the goal kick - as the ball had not come into play by leaving the penalty area.

Question 16: A goal kick is taken, the ball leaves the penalty area and is then blown back into the kicker's goal by the wind. What is the Referees decision?

Answer 16: (By Barry Walker)

No goal - a corner kick. Rationale..........................................

a. Law 16 states that "a goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team".

b. The ball is in play as it has been kicked outside of the penalty area, therefore no retake of the goal kick can be permitted.

c. Law 17 (The Corner Kick) says that a corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the defending team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10 (The method of Scoring).

No goal is scored, but the ball was last touched by a player of the defending team, and it has passed over the goal line - therefore the correct restart is a corner kick.

This is the end of the Goal Kick Law 16 page

Go to top of this page