Question Number: 25743

Kicks From The Penalty mark 11/13/2011

RE: n/a Adult

Bob Campbell of Coral Springs, Fl USA asks...

Middle school playoff game 12-14 years of age. Game official time over. (shootout) I guess it's called. five players from each side take penalty kicks. First two players from each side line up Referee blowes whistle the kick and score. The next player lines up he's is ready, goalee is ready, player kicks before referee blows whistle to kick, goalee stops the ball before it enters the goal. Referee allows the kicker to take a second kick, which the player waits this time for the whistle and scores a goal. result that team wins shootout 5-4. Was the opportunity to take a second legal? And if not where can I find that rule?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The referee made the correct decision. A kicker must wait for the whistle on a penalty kick or during the kicks from the penalty mark. When the kicker does not wait for the whistle, the kick must be retaken (regardless of the outcome of the kick).

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bob
The referee was 100% correct to order a retake and that must happen regardless of the outcome of the kick. Had a goal been scored a retake would also have been ordered.
Now one has to look at the reasons for the kick before the whistle which is referred to as the 'ready to play' signal. The referee waits for all elements of the penalty kick to be correct before signalling for the kick to be taken. My experience is that one of the most common reason for the whistle being delayed is due to the goalkeeper being tardy in going back on to the line perhaps engaging in some mind games by coming forward to the ball. During this time the referee is not looking at the kicker nor perhaps has he given him instructions to wait particularly if it is a young inexperienced players. The GK will no doubt complain if he is out of position or not ready should the referee whistle to allow the kick to proceed.
KFTPM should be a simple exercise with a change of goalkeeper positioned on the line while the kicker is changed. The ball is placed on the penalty mark and then an immediate whistle which allows the kick to proceed.
The requirement for a signal is mentioned three times in the NFHS Rule book and I quote
""A second whistle is required to restart play for the taking of a penalty kick, after a substitution is made, after a caution, disqualification, injury or encroachment. ""
"" The lead official will hand the ball to the kicker and instruct the player to place the ball and then walk to the goalkeeper making sure the goalkeeper is ready and understands that the ball will be released by the whistle.""
"" The lead official shall be positioned near the goal post on his/her side of the field and is responsible for declaring the ball ?ready-for-play? after it has been placed by the kicker.""