Question Number: 14882

Mechanics 2/22/2007

RE: rec Adult

luca of nyc, ny usa asks...

i have a question
if a player is to take a penalty kick and starts running towards the ball to kick it and the ref did not blow the whistle yet but then seems to "help out" hte player and blows the whistle just before the player kick sthe ball
is that legal.
i am wondering if the whistle blows first and then the player makes a run towrads the ball to kick it.
because i saw the player running and like a split secnd before he kicked it, the ref hurried to blow the whistle.
is that a legit penalty kick or should it have been re done

thanks
luca

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Luca,
depends it could be confusing and or misleading. The keeper may think you did signal when he sees the run up and lose concentration when you blow just as or before he kicks it thinking you are stopping not starting.

The Referee
does not signal for a penalty kick to be taken until the players have taken up position in accordance with the Law;

decides when a penalty kick has been completed

His match his decision his reputation!

On any PK make it so clear that for a player to do anything but wait for a whistle he would have to have the IQ of a Gnat! Prevent the need to step in by stepping up with clear instructions. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

My mechanic for PK's is to first determine who will be taking the kick. I tell him to wait for my whistle. Then I ensure all other players are outside the penalty area and arc, and that they know they must stay there until the ball is kicked. Lastly I talk to the keeper and remind him that he must stay on the line until the ball is kicked. I move into my position, and only then will I signal for the kick.

If the ref whistles after the kicker starts his action, it could throw off both the kicker and keeper. Better then to blow several short tweets, and get everybody reset to try it again. If it appears the kicker deliberately started early, a caution is in order. Paradoxically, it would be for delaying the restart of play since by starting early he's forced us to back up and get ready again.