Question Number: 22037

Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/21/2009

RE: Competitive High School

Andre Lerchi of Ridgefield, CT USA asks...

As the player takes the kick from the penalty mark, he stops in front of the ball, takes half a step back, then steps up again to score the goal. The LOTG speak of unsporting behavior in general terms, but I cannot locate any specific reference to what that would entail during the taking of a penalty kick. Is it one of those where it's left to the opinion of the referee?
Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Yes but it is a matter of realistic interpretation! A stutter step or momentary pause and then resumes forward are not regarded as improper under FIFA but apparantly in NFHS the approach must be continuious. If there is a movement towards then away from the ball or past the ball and backing up it could draw or entice encroachment as well as be regarded as USB. FIFA is on record as saying a PK as a free kick is ok to feint. Then they are on record we are to consider USB if the feint is improper! Sheessh hard to figure sometimes is it not?

Below is the FIFA advice along with the instructions what to do for a restart. Note if you determine there is USB by the kicker, AFTER you signal to begin the PK, you show the card before the next restart be it a retake or INDFK out. If there is USB prior to the signal then the PK has not occurred show the card for the USB and then when all is settled signal the PK to begin!

PK Procedure
Feinting to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football. However, if, in the opinion of the referee, the feinting is considered an act of unsporting behaviour, the player must be cautioned.
If the referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken
and, before the ball is in play, the following occurs:
the player taking the penalty kick infringes the Laws of the Game:
? the referee allows the kick to be taken
? if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken
? if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team, from the place where the infringement occurred
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

NFHS high school rules are different. Once the kicker starts his/her approach to the ball, the movement may not be interrupted. The kick is retaken. Rule 14-1-4.

Under TLOG, interupted movements (stutter steps) are considered lawful feints. Running past the ball and returning or taking undue time by excessive (in the referee's opinion) runs or direction changes can be punished as unsporting behavior.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You reference competitive high school matches. NFHS does indeed state that once the kicker starts his run to the ball, he/she may not stop as you describe.
LOTG leave this to the discretion of the referee so you will see differences among referees as to what will be allowed.