Question Number: 18152

Kicks From The Penalty mark 12/17/2007

RE: Rec Under 14

Mike of Dana Point, CA United States asks...

In a recent semi-final U14 match, tied game went into shootout. On what would have been the kick that decided outcome of match, player shot...hit the back of the net nice and clean, but ref ordered a retake saying player kicked before whistle. Now this was REAL close time wise: player took step toward ball AS whistle was blown, admittedly moving to kick, but clearly did not strike ball until AFTER whistle had sounded.

Obviously wouldn't be asking if player hadn't missed 2nd shot, and we lost match. But did want to find out, can it be considered a good kick if player STARTS movement before whistle is blown, but ball is struck after whistle.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If the player struck the ball after the signal, then the referee should have allowed the goal. It is bad mechanics for the referee to allow this to happen though as the referee should wait until the kicker is still before signlaing.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Perhaps the kicker started his run before the referee's signal. Then as he saw the player moving toward the ball he used his whistle to hold up the kick rather than allow it to proceed... it could happen.

Ultimately, it is up to the referee to say WHEN he gave the signal, if he ever gave it at all. If the referee did something that the player interperted as the signal to start, but the referee didn't intend to give the signal with that action, then the player is unlucky, but he will be bound to take the kick over again as the referee is the final decider of facts connected with play, and if he says the kick was before the signal then it was, even if it wasn't.