Question Number: 26210

Law 16 - Goal Kick 4/20/2012

RE: Competitive Under 11

Mike Mezey of Carlsbad, CA USA asks...

Regarding a goal kick, I know that all players for the opposing team must be outside the 18 and cannot touch the ball until it crosses the 18. Because of the age of the players I often have one of my defenders take the goak kick and have the goalie stay within the goal. My question is how many field players of the team taking the kick are allowed within the 18 during a goal kick. Just the player taking the kick for the keeper or more (2, 3 or more).

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

There is no limit to the number/location of defenders on a goal kick or free kick for the defense inside their penalty area.

The only prescription is that after the ball has been kicked no one may touch the ball until it leaves the penalty area.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
No limit as to the number of defenders that can be inside the penalty area on any kicked restart including a goal kick. The ball though cannot be touched until it has left the penalty area.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You could have all the defending team inside the penalty area. I wouldn't do that though, because there would be nobody but opponents out on the field to receive the kick!

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

No opponents are allowed in the PA during the kick or until the ball has exited the penalty area but there is no such restriction on the defenders. All 11 of them can be in the PA if they want, although that isn't a very good strategy.

The more people in the PA, the more trouble it will be to get it out of the PA untouched except by the kicker, and the harder it will be to move the ball down field without support from outside the PA.