Question Number: 21830

Law 14 - Penalty kick 8/25/2009

RE: College

Arkady English of Sheffield, S. Yorks. UK asks...

This question is a follow up to question 20359

Could the referee not decide to play advantage in some way?

Clearly the goalkeeper was ready for the kick (he/she saved it) and the kicker was ready. Just rule it a miss and caution the player for taking the kick too early.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Sorry, can't apply advantage here and the Laws are specific that the kick must be retaken if taken before the whistle is blown regardless of outcome. That said, the referee could certainly say everyone must have heard the whistle as the kick was taken and the keeper saved it. This was a lot easier to sell before it became mandatory to use the whistle at a penalty kick

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Undoubtedly some referees would think 'oh well, your loss' and not order the kick retaken - but strictly speaking this is incorrect (even if it may seem fairer).

When a referee starts breaking or ignoring the laws he can potentially create problems for himself, as well as providing the players with more legitimate reasons for complaint. Following the laws of the game is one way that the ref can walk off the field and knowing that he's done his job and any problems that arise aren't his fault.

Basically, 'advantage' cannot be applied when the restart has not been taken correctly - and if the signal has not been given then the restart has not been taken correctly.

The same applies whether it's a penalty kick or a free kick where the referee has told the player to wait for the whistle).

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

While advantage would not apply, the referee could consider the offense to be trifling. Did taking the kick early have an effect on play? Not if the keeper was able to save the attempt. Sounds pretty trifling to me.

At an opportune time, you should warn the kicker that waiting for the whistle was required. Also in general, remember that trifling offenses count toward persistent infringement.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Advantage does not apply. The poor mechanics of permitting this injustice are strictly on the circumstances of instruction by the referee to the Pk taker, the referee's focus on the situation and the referee's willingness to maintain he did signal when all around could plainly see he did not. The problem is it is now WRITTEN into law that for a PK to begin the referee MUST signal with the whistle. Prior to that we simply had to signal and of course in these cases I was sure I did say something to the PK kicker so he took the shot and the keeper saved it and we continue along as if that is what did in fact occur!

Cheers