Question Number: 27984

Law 16 - Goal Kick 11/7/2013

RE: College

Harry of Changde, China asks...

A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick,but only against the opposing team.What if a goal kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal.What desicion should the ref make? Reward opponent a corner kick,or retake the goal kick?I am a little bit confused,please help me,and then tell me why?Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The restart depends on where the ball went before entering the goal.

The ball is not in play from a goal kick unless the ball leaves the penalty area. If the ball enters the kicking team's goal without having left the penalty area, the goal kick is retaken.

If the ball leaves the penalty area and then comes back into the goal (e,g, because of a strong wind), the restart is a corner kick. The ball crossed the goal line, last touched by a member of the defending team, but a goal was not scored.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Harry
On a goal kick the ball has to leave the penalty area for it to be in play. If the ball does not leave the penalty area the kick is retaken.
So let's say that due to strong winds the ball leaves the penalty area and is blown back into the goal without touching another player the restart is a corner kick.
These situations are very unusual and unlikely to trouble most referees.