Question Number: 25719

Kicks From The Penalty mark 11/7/2011

RE: Rec Under 14

Michelle of Joppa, Maryland United States asks...

After double OT, championship went to kick off. Kicker jumped the gun and kicked before the whistle and missed, ref allowed her to kick again since she kicked too early. Why would they not penalize her for jumping the gun and kicking too soon? Why would they penalize the opposing team and let her kick again?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Michelle:

The referee was following the correct procedures. The kicker must wait for a whistle. If a kick is taken before the whistle, the results are disallowed and the kick is retaken. The notion is that the referee is providing the same punishment every time. Since a high percentage of PK's enter the goal, the result usually favors the defending team. But, because the punishment is always a retake, the referee remains impartial whether the punishment 'helps' or 'hurts' either team.

The referee may caution the player for kicking before the whistle, but it usually suffices to warn the player and caution only if it happens again. (My experience has been that kids are nervous and forget to wait for the whistle. They aren't intending to cheat.)

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Michelle
A penalty cannot be taken before the whistle so no matter what happens the kick is retaken and that includes when a goal is scored. It might seem unfair yet it does work the other way when a goal is scored.
I might add that a referee should be alert to these situations and be proactive in managing the kicks. Many times the reason why the signal is not given is that the goalkeeper is not ready and standing off the line.
It is not unusual for some GKs to try to play 'mind games' with the kicker by coming forward off the line. If the GK is on the line ready for the kick then there is no reason why the whistle cannot sound just after the ball is placed for the kick and then this situation does not arise.