Question Number: 24058

Law 16 - Goal Kick 10/1/2010

RE: Rec High School

Tommy Frederick of Crestview, Florida USA asks...

Technical Question:

Does the ball have to 'stationary' on a goal kick? The law itself doesn't address it. Just need clarification.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

There's a lot that the laws of the game don't specifically mention, but leave it to general understanding.

For instance, the laws of the game don't state that a sent-off play can't return to the field of play - but we all know that they can't.

The ball does have to be stationary on a goal kick - but let's also apply common sense. If the ball is rolling slightly and it's a short pass (ie the movement doesn't affect the kick), let's just get on with play.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tommy
The games and the Laws have what is called an element of implied knowledge. While not explicitally written down it is required that the ball is stationary at a goal kick.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

While the Laws don't specify a stationary ball for a goal kick as is done for other kicks, tradition is that the ball should not be moving. This keeps things consistent.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. IFAB (the folk who write the laws) tend to remove things that 'everyone knows.' For all free kicks, the ball must be stationary.