Question Number: 18100

Law 16 - Goal Kick 12/10/2007

RE: Competitive Under 14

Ben Citrin of Madison, Connecticut United States asks...

I was playing in a game, and was about to take a goal kick. I wanted to take a quick kick so I placed the ball in the 6-yard box and kicked it. The ball was not moving in anyway before I kicked it. When I kicked the ball, the ref blew his whistle and said the ball had to be at the top of the 6-yard box on the line. Is this true?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

No, the ball can be anywhere in the goal area - anywhere on or inside the line.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Peachy, another referee making up things as he goes. Ben you and I both know the ball can be placed anyplace in the goal area. He didn't so during his matches you just bite your lip, not too hard, and do as he likes.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I suspect the referee has always seen goal kicks taken from the top of the goal area line and assumed that was where they had to go. We would hate for him to have to actually read the Laws, but it is amazing what one can find when one does! Tell the assignor about this gaffe by the referee, and it should be fixed for future games.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ben,
NO it is NOT true!
Any free kick infringment within the goal area be it a goal kick or dfk or indfk in favour of the defending team can be taken at any point within the goal area.

It is only on indfk offences in favour of the attackers or drop ball events, within the goal area, where the ball MUST be on that 6 yard line!

As a match condition arbitrarily imposed by the referee, you live with it for the match! After the match report it and thus reeducate those who need to know this stuff. To argue or try and convince the referee despite you being correct could result in useless misconduct for dissent.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If the referee said this he was incorrect. While you are correct the ball must be stationary, you are also allowed to place the ball anywhere you like inside the goal area.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The ball may be placed anywhere in the goal area.