Question Number: 15920

Law 16 - Goal Kick 7/1/2007

RE: rec Under 12

John Mccullough of Shelton, WA Mason asks...

if a goalie places the ball on the line and is preparing to kick it
can the player or players from the other
team run up and kick the ball or run up to the ball and act like they are
going to kick the ball to distract the goalie

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi John,
Are we talking at astoppage?
There is no free kick awarded where an opponent can do anything to prevent, stall or stop it without being quilty of misconduct or an infraction if they come within 10 yards. In the case of a GOAL kick or any free kick from within the penalty area the opponents MUST clear the penalty area as well as be at least 10 yards away. A referee who does not act to stop this has failed to understandthe word FREE in the words free kick.
If the keeper puts the ball down in live play anyone can challenge!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I am assuming that what you have described is occuring at a goalkick. If that is true, then the attackers aren't even permitted to be anywhere inside the penalty area, let alone close enough to feign kicking the ball to any realy distractive level. If the player crosses into the penalty area, hold up play and see to it that they get out.

However, if you are saying that the goalkeeper simply placed the ball on the ground during live play (i.e. the goalie caught it and put it on the ground to kick it off the ground) then the opponent would be permitted to run up to the ball and pretend to (or even literally) kick it. Once the ball has been put into play (placed on the ground in this case) the goalkeeper enjoys no special privilage or protection from challenge until he legally repossesses the ball in his hands.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi John. I assume you are talking about a goal kick? No opponent is even allowed inside the penalty area at the taking of a goal kick and may not legally play the ball until the ball has left the penalty area. If you're talking about ANY free kick inside the penalty area coming out, this is also true. If you're talking about the kick off, the opponent's must stay 10 yards away from the ball until the ball is kicked forwards and moved. If the keeper has the ball in his hands and play has not stopped and he puts the ball on the ground in order to kick it, once he releases control with his hands the opponents are free to challenge for the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Jon Sommer

erm no, and doing so would cause me to caution them and show the yellow card.