Question Number: 19966

Law 16 - Goal Kick 9/16/2008

RE: AYSO Under 15

Ken of Truckee, CA USA asks...

I think I blew a call last night. I awarded a goal kick - no problem. A player other than the goal keeper took the goal kick. For some reason she placed the ball just outside the goal area (about 4 feet) and kicked the ball outside of the penalty area. So, if it would have been kicked from the goal area it was a non-issue. I awarded an IDFK to the opposing team but in retrospect, I think I should have had her retake the goal kick. Yes/No? Happily, the IDFK was controlled by the goal keeper who punted the ball to the halfway line so it did not affect the outcome of the game...

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You are correct, it should have been a retake - actually not a retake because the proper restart was never done - you should have had them go back and do it correctly. Even better would have been to stop the kick before it was taken if the ball was not in the proper position. We all have these brain freezes from time to time. Think of it this way - this should be one mistake you won't make again.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You are correct in your second guessing yourself. The kick was not properly taken so the only possible restart is a retake of the goal kick. I agree with Ref Voshol that the best thing would have been to make her take the kick from the goal area the first time.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ken,
you were lucky my friend that the INDFK did not result in a goal as it was a misapplication of law and protestable. The goal kick was a retake or else you overlook it that once and let play continue as a trifling event and warn her not to do it again. Best thing if there is something incorrect about the proceedure stop and correct before the ball leaves the penalty area.
Cheers