Question Number: 28224

Mechanics 3/2/2014

RE: Rec and Competitive Under 19

Craig Gaul of Tampa, FL USA asks...

In a recent rec tournament, goalkeeper mistakenly punts a ball from a goal kick situation. Referee missed the entire event until two minutes later when opposing coach points out the referee error. Obviously nothing can be changed after ball back in play, but need to know recommended action as a similar event unfolds. Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Craig
During the two minutes I suspect that play may have restarted since the incorrectly taken goal kick. If that has happened then no action can be taken in Law.
If there has been no other restart then technically the referee could go back to the incorrect restart. However the principle that it is incongruous for the referee to act after so much play has elapsed should apply. Most referees would see the matter as trifling and simply allow play to continue.
Imagine going back say from a goal kick at one end to a goal kick at the other after two minutes of uninterrupted play.
Clearly if the incident had an immediate bearing on play then the game should be restarted with a correctly taken goal kick.
Learning point for the referee is not to take the eye of the ball on any restart.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Referees should try to emulate the better players and watch the restart even if it means running backwards. While the keeper usually will not punt the ball, a short kick is common.

Moreover, the AR should monitor the placement of the ball within the goal area and should raise the flag when a goal kick is improperly taken. Even if the referee misses the keeper's action, the referee shouldn't miss that flag (or the other AR's mirroring flag).