Question Number: 26047

Kicks From The Penalty mark 3/9/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Kodjo of New York, NY USA asks...

How long is a penalty shoot out? Once the ref blows the whistle, does the player have to kick the ball within a certain time frame?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Both teams must take five penalties each and it is accepted that the penalties would be taken without delay. There is no set time other than the player can walk from the half way line, place the ball on the penalty mark, the referee signals for the kick to be taken and the player would usually take the kick within a few seconds

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The current method to decide a winner is kicks from the penalty mark. There is no set time to take the kick but the referee will try to keep things moving and will be proactive if someone takes too long to try to game the keeper - - exactly as would happen for a penalty kick taken during the match.

In years past, some leagues in the US had a 'shoot out' that was similar to ice hockey. The ball was placed at a spot outside the penalty area, and on the whistle, the attacker has a specified time to dribble, shoot and attempt to score. Today, that is not a proper method under the laws of the game.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

You will see this method of deciding a draw in high school, but you should no longer see it in any competition sanctioned by USSF.