Question Number: 21890

Law 16 - Goal Kick 9/5/2009

RE: Under 14

james of philadelphia , pa 19131 asks...

is there any restriction on the number of players allowed in the penalty area when taking a goal kick?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes, there can only be 11. And they all have to be from the kicking team. None of the opponents are allowed in the penalty area until the ball is in play - when it exits directly out of the penalty area.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

On ANY defending free kick, goal kick included, from inside your OWN penalty area all your team mates can be inside the 18 yard penalty area whereas NONE of the opposition are allowed inside that area!
The ball must travel completely OUTSIDE the penalty area into play before anyone on either team can play the ball.
The opposition must still respect the ten yards no matter where the ball is placed inside the penalty area.
The opposition CAN NOT cut through or go into the penalty area until after the ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

None of the opponents may be in the penalty area at the taking of a goal kick.

ALL of the teammates may be in the penalty area when taking a goal kick

The ball is in play once it leaves the penalty area. If the ball touches ANY player before it leaves the penalty area, the goal kick is retaken