Question Number: 12512

Mechanics 4/8/2006

RE: High School

EM Pearson of Humboldt, Tennessee USA asks...

Question about application of encroachment on taking of a penalty kick. On a recent high school penalty kick an offensive player in the far corner of clearly encroached about a yard prior to the kick. Kick went in, but defense protested. I told them it was trivial. But my buddy (two-man system)felt any encroachment should be punished, so since we had not restarted I went with his strongly-held view. Result on rekick was a save by the keeper.

So here's my question. You know that we allow the keeper a little jump off his line as trivial. So why not a trivial encroachment by an offensive player at the corner of the PA? In addition I never see retakes ordered at the highest level due to a meaningless encroachment by the offensive team. So how do you handle this situation? (I am willing to be told I'm wrong and take my medicine like a man!)

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Since this is high school, my cohorts will have to address any specific differences in Law. In real soccer, you're correct, you never see this called at high levels of play. In fact, if the player is just a yard inside, I'd doubt you see this called anywhere. You point out the absurdity of the two man system. This was your call not the other referees yet you gave in to him. Certainly you could get his opinion but if you were the one directing the PK, I'd think you should be in charge.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

There isn't any difference in Law/Rules. The keeper shouldn't move and the others should not encroach. Interpretation of this lays to the opinion of the referee as do most grey things. Here's what I do: I stand about 2 yards nearer the goal line than the top of the penalty area. When the kicker hits the ball anyone past me is more than enough to sell a retake if necessary.

The keeper's movement is left to the opinion of the assistant as listed in Law 6.

If, yeah if, I get involved in a two personality system of refereeing mine's way stronger and I get my way. And I really don't care what anyone else thinks, unless they are players, they go into my book for dissent. Dissenting coaches go home and dissenting parents have taken their shot, I get mine. Freedom of speech applies here...

Regards,