Question Number: 17190

Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/8/2007

RE: All Other

Larry Stone of Roselle, IL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17119

I see a slight gap in your answer to 17119 relative to that the questioner was asking. He was asking about a referee allowing players along the sides of the penalty area vs. behind the ball. He did not make clear where along the side they were. Unless I've been mistaught, if more than 12 yards from the goal line, then that's legal since they are behind the ball (although well off to the side). Closer than 12 yards, then they're ahead of the ball and that's not legal.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I looked at the answers given and I do not see the gap you're talking about.

What I can tell you is that you are correct. All players except the goalkeeper must be behind the ball (on the side of the ball that is closer to the halfway line and not the goal line). They must also remain outside of the penalty area and 10 yards away from the ball (except the kicker). They must remain in that position until the ball is properly put into play, meaning that it has been kicked and moved forward.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Larry,
I added a bit to the original question and while the coach did say they said ANYWHERE outside I agree it is permissible to be along side as long as they are 12.1 yards out to qualify as being behind the PK mark NOT the kicker or the 18 yard boundryline. I think it was a good spot on your part.
Thanks
Cheers