Question Number: 26286

Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/3/2012

RE: rec Under 9

sandy of bayonne, new jersey usa asks...

what is the difference between goal kicks and corner kicks qnd which is when

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Sandy, when the ball goes completely over the goal line (and it is not a goal), who gets to take the kick for the restart depends on which team last touched the ball.

If the ball was touched last by a defender, the restart is a corner kick for the attacking team. The kick is taken from anywhere within the corner arc closest to where the ball left the field. (The corner arc is usually marked on the field one yard from the corner flag.)

If the ball was last touched by a player on the attacking team, the restart is a goal kick. The kick is taken from anywhere within the goal area. (The goal area is a rectangle six yards in front of the goal.)

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sandy
When all of the ball crosses all of the goal line (not a goal) either a goal kick or a corner kick is awarded depending on who touched the ball last. If an attacker touched the ball last a goal kick is awarded. If a defender touched the ball last a corner kick is awarded.
The goal kick is outlined in Law 16 while the corner kick is covered by Law 17. I suggest that you read both laws carefully and familiarise yourself with the main elements of both.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Goal kicks and corner kicks are covered in the beginning referee course. I see you are a recreational referee for under 9 - are referees for that age group trained by the local clubs? If so, I can see how you might have missed knowing this before.

A goal kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by the attacking team, and a goal is not scored.

A corner kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by the defending team, and a goal is not scored.

Goal kicks are taken by the defending team from anywhere within the goal area, the '6 yard box'.

Corner kicks are taken by the attacking team, with the ball placed in the corner arc.