Question Number: 26632

Law 1- The Field 8/15/2012

RE: rec Under 15

jerry morrison of laceys spring, ala united states asks...

what rules cover the goalie box for the other team

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Jerry:

The goal area has no significance during live play. Field player from both teams are permitted to do anything inside the goal area that they can do on any other part of the field.

The goal area affects where the ball is placed on a goal kick, is dropped or is placed on free kicks awarded for things that occurred inside the goal area:

Goal kicks - - anywhere in the goal area.
Free kicks for the defense - - anywhere in the goal area
Dropped ball - - - ball moved to spot perpendicular on the six yard line
Indirect free kick for offense - - ball moved to spot perpendicular on the six yard.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jerry
Referee Wickham has given you the purposes of the goal area.
That is the modern use of the goal area. It's origin in history though was to provide an area for protection to the goalkeeper who could not be charged inside the goal area. That has all changed though in the modern game and now the goalkeeper while in possession of the ball may not be challenged or charged amywhere.