Question Number: 27060

Kicks From The Penalty mark 12/9/2012

RE: Select Under 17

Jonathan of Redwood City, CA USA asks...

I was refereeing a game that went to kicks from the mark. A player kicked the ball, which bounced off the crossbar, and nearly hit me. Which made me wonder: If the ball had hit me, and bounced off me, and went in to the goal, would it still count? I can see an argument for yes -- referees are part of the field, and the ball is still in play -- but that seems strange to me. Is that the case?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

If it was a penalty kick in normal play then yes, it would be a goal.

At kicks from the mark though, you'd want to revert to 'common sense'.

The kick is considered over when the ball has lost its original momentum from the kick. It can bounce around, even off the back of the keeper and into the goal, and can potentially do a few other things. If the ball comes out and strikes the referee, then that's time to consider the kick is over.

It's already clearly come out of the goal with enough force to ensure that the original 'kick' is well and truly over, so the spirit of the game and the law would dictate that we're not supposed to continue player from here in this sort of scenario.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jonathan
I would concure with my colleague Referee Wright that in normal play a goal will be awarded.
In Kicks from the Penalty Mark, Law 18 Common Sense would have to apply in that the ball could not enter the goal from the original kick and the referee should make the best 'decision' for the game which would be to deem the penalty kick completed when it reached the referee.
Prevention of anything untoward should also be key in the referee's thoughts at a penalty kick and KFTPM. He should not allow anyone including outside agents close to the goal area and if the ball is coming towards him make sure to avoid it if possible or to catch it. No one is going to question the referee on a catched ball some 12 yards from the goal line on KFTPM.