Question Number: 19467

Law 16 - Goal Kick 6/21/2008

Marc Coulter of edmonton, ab Canada asks...

Scenario:

goal kick is taken within the 6 yard box -- the ball doesn't leave the 18 yard box and an
attacker jumps in and intercepts it.

INDFK for defenders or is the kick retaken?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The ball is NOT in play until it has completely (meaning all of the ball) exited the penalty area (the bigger area). So, since it was not in play when it was pounced upon by the attacker, the kick is retaken. You said goal kick, but please be aware it doesn't matter whether it is a goal kick (Law 16) or a defender's free kick (free kicks are in Law 13), if it is taken from within the goal or penalty areas, the whole ball must completely exit the penalty area before the ball is in play.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 13 discusses free kicks and therein it stipulates the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area. Historically this was added: "If the ball is not kicked direct into play, beyond the penalty-area, the kick shall be retaken."

Law 16 says the same thing.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The kick is retaken. ANY kick coming out of the penalty area must go beyond the penalty area before it is in play and may be touched by another player. If touched by anyone, including the kicker, before it goes beyond the penalty area the kick must be retaken.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi MARC,
any defending free kick within the goal area or penalty area must completely cross the 18 yard penalty area boundry lines into active play to be able to be played by anyone except the orignal kicker of course. Defending team mates can be inside the area just not able to play the ball until it passes beyond the area. All opponents must be beyond the penalty are aas well as a minimum of 10 yards away from the spot of the ball.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The kick is retaken. Ball not in play tell it leaves penalty area.