Question Number: 21531

Law 16 - Goal Kick 6/13/2009

Paul Hofmann of Smyrna, Ga USa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 21521

Apparently, a simple misunderstanding:
The original Answer ends in the quote 'BEFORE ANYONE from either team could play the ball a second time except of course the original kicker.'
The intent of that comment was to say that, after the kicker kicks the ball(first touch), it must leave the penalty area before it is officially in play. Before leaving the PA, the ball is not allowed to be played by anyone from either team. AFTER leaving the PA, the ball is allowed to be played by anyone, OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL KICKER.
The questioner apparently misunderstood the quote to imply that the only the kicker would be PERMITTED to touch the ball again before it leaves the PA, rather than the intended meaning. Hence seeing it as a contradiction.
Gosh, English can be confusing....

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

What is that old saying? I meant to say exactly that but spelled it different? I want you to reread all answers and check them for verbal miscues Paul as you are likely correct.
Thanks
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Thanks Paul. It takes a fellow Cobb County Georgian to decipher what transpired. I believe you are correct that this was a simple misunderstanding. And people say Southerners don't speak proper English. Good job!