Question Number: 21780

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/13/2009

RE: select Under 11

jim fitzerald of arlington, ma usa asks...

can the goalkeeper use a kicking tee to kick out dead balls

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

No. Kicking tee's belong to the other form of US football.

When my son was 10, he had a devil of a time learning how to get the ball up in the air on a goal kick. That season, most of the goal kicks were taken by a defender who could. All players, like my son, eventualy can learn how to lift the ball.

The technical answer to your question is that the kicking tee is not listed in Law 4 Player's Equipment, and , thus, is not permitted. IMO, it is also dangerous to have a kicking tee on the field.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

No player may use a kicking aid like a 'tee' during the match.

On that note, it is also illegal for a player to make a mound out of dirt, or even to scuff up the ground by digging his heels in to make a little raised patch for the ball to rest on. Strictly speaking, either of the latter acts should result in a caution (yellow card) for making unauthorised marks on the pitch, though at such a young age the referee may apply discretion - often digging the heels in a little is tolerated by referees.

Kicking tees and the like are against the 'spirit of the game' (risk factor aside) and allow the players an unfair disadvantage and also remove the skill element from learning to get the ball in the air.

Keep in mind that the goalkeeper doesn't have to take goal kicks - a teammate can take them.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Oh, for heaven's sake! Of course he can't use a tee, any more than he could use a stick to knock it.

He must use the simple, old-fashioned foot enclosed in an appropriately safe shoe to kick the ball from the ground where it has been placed by the team given the kick, which is at the spot the referee has determined is the correct one for the restart.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You're kidding, of course! Can't even use kicking tees in American football except on kick-offs