Question Number: 18745

Law 13 - Free Kicks 4/9/2008

RE: Adult

Bill of Selden, NY Suffolk asks...

This question is a follow up to question 18331

If player taking the goal kick, plays the ball a second time BEFORE it leaves the 18 yard box, it is a re-kick correct . It is not an indirect kick for the other team.

My nephew's Soccer Club's monthly newsletter states it is an indirect kick because all indirect kicks must be touched by another player before the player taking the kick can play the ball again. I know this is correct but not in the case of a goal kick because the ball is not in play until it clears the 18 yard box so you can't have a rekick.
Am I correct ?? Thanks for the help.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You are correct. If the ball never leaves the penalty area into the rest of the field, it is not in play. If it is not in play, it is as if the kick never took place. Give them the ball back to try again.

The wise referee will consider all aspects of the situation, looking for the reason the ball was kicked a second time. If the first kick was just too wimpy, that's one thing. But if it looks like the player is trying to gain a tactical advantage by doing this, the referee might consider a caution for delaying the restart of play or possibly for unsporting behavior.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

A goal kick is not an indirect kick. But either way, the kick is retaken if the ball doesn't leave the penalty area and is touched by one of the kicking side.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You should have the newsletter checked by a referee. The logic is flawed anyway as a goal kick is NOT an indirect free kick as a goal may be scored directly from a goal kick. Of course, the ball is not in play until it leaves the penalty area and if touched by ANY player before it leaves the penalty area, the goal kick must be retaken