Question Number: 23880

Law 5 - The Referee 9/6/2010

RE: High School

Ron Leaf of Shorewood, MN USA asks...

An indirect free kick is awarded to the attacking team just outside the defending team's penalty area. The ball is kicked directly into the goal without touching any other player. The referee is holding is arm up when the ball enters the goal, and then indicates no goal by moving his arms back and forth across his body. The referee then signals for a goal kick. All of the players on the attacking team, celebrating what they believe is a goal, miss the referee's signals, and move to their half of the field for a kick off. Should the defending team be allowed to restart with the goal kick immediately, or should the restart be delayed so that the attacking team is not confused by the restart?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The former attacking team is confusing themselves by assuming it is to be a kickoff. They already made one mistake, in not knowing the signal for an indirect kick and/or not knowing what indirect means. Now they are making another mistake.

It is not the responsibility of the referee to instruct the teams in the Laws of the Game (or NFHS rules) and mechanics/signals. That is the duty of the coach.

Still, if the ref is feeling charitible, he could give 3 or 4 quick tweets, shout out, 'Goal kick, guys!' and then signal for the restart. Giving any more instruction than that penalizes the other team who presumably took the time to learn the rules and apply them.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

hi Ron
The defending team has correctly interpreted the referee's signal and it may recommence the game immediately with the goal kick.
There is no onus on the referee to delay the start in this instance. However if he is felt that his signals were unclear he could whistle and shout ' No Goal. Goal Kick' to prevent any confusion.
I have seen this happen at the highest level including the Premier League

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Under high school rules (NFHS), the referee should hold up the goalkick only if there are substitutes who have checked in and are waiting to enter. (A goalkick is a substitution opportunity for either team). Otherwise, there is no reason to delay the restart. The ball is 100 yards from the goal, and all of the defenders are in their own half.

I agree with Refs McHugh and Voshol that the referee may announce 'no goal-goal kick' and refocus the players on the match. It can avoid a nasty foul to stop play when a defender realizes that they are out of position.