Question Number: 22894

Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/4/2010

RE: Rec, Select, NFHS High School

Joe Griego of Bishop, CA USA asks...

Wow, it actually happened! The one scenario that I always hear debated at referee classes, where a goal kick is taken, it leaves the penalty area(therefore it is in play), and the wind blows it back into the kicking team's net without being touched by any other player.

So just for fun, what's the official ruling?

Here's the video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0DtoxBo9sg&

Enjoy!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Joe, since you've heard about this classic at ref clinics, don't you remember the answer? (grins)

Corner kick.

Also see Q#22891.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Ball is put into play at a restart and then goes into the goal of the team taking the restart touching no other player. Restart now with a corner kick.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Joe
Correct decision is a corner kick although from all the celebrations this looks like it was allowed. Another Law that many players don't know!!

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I hope in all those debates in referee classes, the correct answer is given?

The Laws are clear - teams cannot score directly on themselves at a restart. Goal kicks are restarts, and thus a ball that is in play directly from a goal kick (has left the penalty area) and is blown or spins back into the goal untouched will be a corner kick for the opponent, because the ball left the field last touched by the defending team.

Now, go win those debates and spread the word!