Question Number: 28072

Law 16 - Goal Kick 12/21/2013

RE: Select Under 11

Lou Cohen of Palm Beach Gardens, Fl USA asks...

If a goal kick is kicked out of bounds but exits within the penalty box area (sideways and slightly backwards kick) is it considered to 'not exit' the penalty box and therefore another goal kick is awarded?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Lou,

You would be correct that if a goal kick exits over the goal line without entering the field of play then the team retakes the goal kick.

The reason for this is that, at a goal kick, the ball is not in play until it enters the field.

As such, a ball can't 'go out' when it isn't actually in play yet.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. Retake the goal kick. On a goal kick, the ball is in play when it leaves the penalty area and enters the remainder of the field.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Lou
The ball must cross over the penalty area lines on the field of play to be put into play. If the ball crosses the goal line inside the penalty area the ball is not in play and the kick is retaken.
It is a very rare occurence and personally I have never seen it happen as it requires a poor kick to a defender close to the goal line for this to happen.