Question Number: 23344

Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/20/2010

RE: Rec Under 10

Tom Richer of Briarcliff Manor, NY USA asks...

Law 16 Goal Kick Question - If the ball crosses the goal line to the right or left of the goal, where does the goal kick restart need to take place? Can it be anywhere in the goal box? I was under the understanding that it had to be in the half of the goal box of the side it went out on the goal line. I looked it up in my guide and could not find an answer. Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Richer
The goal kick can be taken from anywhere inside the goal area. Many years ago it was customary to take it from the side it went out on. The only concern now is whether the goalkeeper uses this tactic of moving to the other side to delay play. My advice is to watch what the GK does early in the game and if he simply continues to do that then there is no delay tactic other than perhaps showing less urgency.

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Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Law 16: The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the
defending team.

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You are thinking about corner kicks. A goal kick may be taken from anywhere inside the goal area

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