Question Number: 15402

Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/6/2007

RE: Rec Under 9

Kris of Danbury, CT USA asks...

What is the goalie allowed to do during a penalty kick when it is just the goalie and one player? My son was told he could move his hands but not his feet to defend the kick.

He blocked it but we wanted clarification.

Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The goalkeeper is permitted to move from side to side ON his goal line during the penalty kick or kicks from the penalty mark. He may not move forward or backwards until the ball is kicked and moves forward. He may, if he chooses jump up and down. Advice to referees paragraph14.4 refers. One must understand a keeper doing this is unable to move left or right unless he has some method of propulsion because the feet aren't going to provide any. It is a distinct advantage to the kicker. If I was taking a penalty I would want the keeper in the air when I hit the ball. Makes things easier.

The referee who told him he could not move has not read Law 14 since the first of July 1997, he is mistaken. Perhaps this answer should be given to your league's referee coordinator for delivery to that referee.

I wonder what other misconceptions the "referee" has about the Laws of the Game?

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The goalkeeper may move side to side as much as he would like, so long as he stands on the goal line and faces the field of play. He may not move forward (or backward) until after the player taking the penalty kick actually puts the ball into play.