Question Number: 24902

Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/8/2011

RE: Competive Adult

Andrew of Sydney, New South Wales Australia asks...

Penalty Mark
According to the LOTG the referee must confirm the ball is properly placed on the penalty mark 11 m (12 yds) from the midpoint between the goalposts. Where the penalty mark is in a ditch or the surface is unstable can the penalty mark be changed? For example can the mark be moved slightly to the left, right or even in front or behind the original mark and if so what criteria should be used to determine the new penalty mark?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The penalty mark is the mark, not a spot several inches to the side of the mark.

If the area of the field around the penalty mark is so deteriorated that the ball cannot be placed there, the game must be abandoned. Else, the players have to live with the field as marked.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Andrew, at one time the size of the penalty mark was defined as nine inches in diameter. The penalty mark is not a minute dot just a nanometer in size. Some leniency could be used in placing the ball slightly over from mark. You will find this in Law 18: common sense. What cannot be done is move it a foot over and in fact relocate the mark. A good ref has checked the field prior to the game and asked somebody to make the spot stable or put a bit of sand/dirt in the hole. But once he asks, he will insist on it being done or abandon the game.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Andrew
The ball must be placed on the penalty mark at a penalty kick. It cannot be to the side or behind. However it does not have to be dead centre of the mark and as long as any part of the ball is touching the mark that is legal.
To ensure this does not arise the astute referee will examine the penalty marks and ensure that they are 'fit for purpose' before kick off.