Question Number: 26759

Law 18 - Common Sense 9/13/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Steve Voorhees of LaGrange, GA USA asks...

If an offensive player and defensive player(goalie) go for a ball and are carried out of bounds is the offensive team allowed to quick kick the corner without the goalie on the field?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

There is no requirement that the referee hold up a quick free kick simply because the goalkeeper is off the field.

But, the wise referee uses discretion. If the keeper has gone to retrieve the ball (younger ones do so because they are kind/older ones think it should have been a goal kick), there is nothing wrong with the referee thanking the keeper and telling the kicking team to wait for the whistle.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the attacker has in any way hindered the goalkeeper from coming back into position, then the kick should be held up. And of course if the attacker has made a blatant show of it, holding the keeper, we will be having a ceremonial restart after the attacker is cautioned.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Steve
If the natural movement of the players takes them off the field of play there is nothing to prevent the regular restart such as a throw in , corner etc from being taken quickly with the player/s off the field or trying to come back on.
It should only be delayed if a player of the defending team is 'held' while off the field of play or there is a serious injury that requires attention.