Question Number: 26130

Law 16 - Goal Kick 4/1/2012

RE: Adult

darren of colchester, uk asks...

I was informed by a referee that when taking a goal kick the ball is allowed to be moving. Im sure the ball has to be stationary. Could you clear this up please

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The only Laws that specify that the ball must be stationary for a restart are Law 8 (kickoff) and Law 13 (free kicks).

For the penalty kick and corner kick, the place where the ball must be is quite small, so it is nearly impossible that the ball be moving and stay within the required limits until it is kicked.

Regarding a goal kick, Law 16 says, 'The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team'. Point, singular. That implies that the ball should be at a single point; thus, not moving. Tradition upholds this interpretation.

Still, if the ball is slightly in motion, any offense is likely to be trifling.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Darren
Law 16 does not specifically mention that the ball must be stationary for the restart. However custom and practise upholds that it does.
However if the ball is moving slightly to a point of trifling or barely noticeable then play can be allowed to continue.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Well, no. The ball must be stationary at all free kicks, including a goal kick.

But, referees may permit a trifling amount of motion. The referee needs to balance whether holding up play to require a retake of the goal kick in this circumstance is necessary to prevent an unfair advantage (or with young players, an opportunity to confirm the laws of the game) or is just a disruption in the player's enjoyment of the game.