Question Number: 25807

Kicks From The Penalty mark 12/3/2011

RE: Select Under 13

Richard Brookbanks of Pasadena, CA USA asks...

Our U12 play off game went to penalty kicks today. The opposition coach changed the goalkeeper from the one who was in goal at the end of the regular game to a different player who was playing outfield at the end of regular time. If this allowed or should the goalkeeper who ends the game in regular time also be the goalkeeper for the penalty kicks?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This is allowed. In fact, they could change goalkeepers for every kick. This is not a substitution, where a player comes in off the bench. During Kicks from the Penalty Mark, substitutions are not allowed, except to replace an injured goalkeeper.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It is proper. Any of the players at the end of regulation is eligible to participate in the kicks from the penalty mark phase and to act as the goal keeper,

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Richard
There has quite a number of questions recently about changing a goalkeeper at kicks from the penalty mark.
There is no restriction whatsoever on this other than the referee is informed. Teams decide who plays where on the team and that includes acting as goalkeeper. The only requires that one player must be designated a goalkeeper and that he is clearly identifiable as such.
At underage many players have not yet decided what is there best position. A team can have an excellent goalkeeper yet the team may decide to play that player outfield because he is also a good outfield player. When it comes to kicks from the penalty mark the team will want to use its 'best' goalkeeper for that and a swap is made. the referee will always agree to that.
Indeed if a team has not used all its substitutes in a game it may replace an injured goalkeeper during kicks for the penalty mark. That exception applies to goalkeepers only.