Question Number: 21627

Law 13 - Free Kicks 7/7/2009

RE: Recreational Adult

Arda Bey of Chicago, IL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 20295

To follow up on 20295:

Just wanted to confirm the ruling on the infraction of 'the ball must clear the penalty area' rule for the goal kicks(or any other kicks that the defensive team is taking within the penalty area). As far as I know, if the ball does not clear the area, if the same player(who kicked the ball to start the game) touches the ball again this is an indirect kick awarded to the attacking team but if another player touches the ball before it clears the penalty area, it's a rekick.

Can you please confirm.

Thanks in advance.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Sorry your understanding is incorrect. If the ball does not clear the penalty area on a goal kick or an outbound free kick, the ball has not been put into play. The kick is retaken.

Second-touch does not apply because Law 13 and Law 16 are worded, 'If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again ... '

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You are incorrect. If ANYONE, including the kicker, touches the ball before it leaves the penalty area, we retake the kick. There is always the remote possibility that a caution could be given the kicker but if the ball never goes into play, then the restart has to be a retake

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Arda, to be quite precise the ball is not play until it goes directly BEYOND the penalty area. This means it has to cross one of he three lines of it: the two sides or the 18 yard line. When you say 'clears' it could mean it crosses the goal line. Sorry, not in play because it has to go BEYOND the area. So, if it does not go directly BEYOND the penalty area it is simply a retake. Easy.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 21643