Question Number: 28362

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 4/24/2014

RE: Rec Under 13

Dave of Lawrence, Kansas USA asks...

Can a goal keeper score a goal by punting. During a recent match, after blocking a shot on goal, a goalkeeper punted the ball the length of the field and into the opposing teams goal. No one touched the ball after the punt. The Ref said that this was not a goal because no one touched the ball. And the other team was awarded a goal kick.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Under the laws of the game, this is a valid way to score a goal.

As RefMcHugh notes, some leagues adopt a special rule when fields are smaller than normal and such rules impose additional restrictions on goalkeeper's punts.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dave
Yes a goal can be scored directly from a punt or for that matter from a goalkeeper's throw if he can throw the ball that far. A goal can also be scored directly from a goal kick again if the goalkeeper can kick the ball that far off the ground.
Now in some small sided games at underage with reduced field of play sizes the competition rules can be amended to prevent goals being scored directly on punts, throws etc.
In regular games there are no such restrictions. Here are examples of perfectly good goals. Two out of the hands and two off the ground
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA-ugYe62yY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw-PPlc3AKo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05VhDBSQ8JQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4SbJpQPA40