Question Number: 28428

League Specific 5/15/2014

terry of liverpool, england asks...

I know you can score direct from a goal kick and also from the keepers hands, but at what age does this start as I ref u/8 to u/12 and the pitches are smaller making it easier to kick from one goal to the other.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Terry
The Laws are modified for small sided games. The FA has amended Law 16 to calling it a Goal Clearance and a goal cannot be scored directly from such a restart. In addition a goal cannot be scored from a throw by the goalkeeper.
It is also expected that many small sided games will have a height restriction on the ball which means a ball cannot be punted. Some Leagues insist either a ground kick or a throw only by the GK when the ball is in play.
In the Leagues that I'm involved in there is no height restriction but a local rule prevents the ball being punted or thrown beyond half way. Its an IDFK restart from where it lands.
As the purpose of small sided games is to encourage passing, dribbling etc it is likely that a punted goal may not be allowed in the same way as a throw is not. It does not though prevent the goalkeeper from scoring with his foot off the ground like a regular player. Check with the competition organisers because it does vary from area to area.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Check with your assignor as to local rules for the u8 - U10, and any special rules based on the field conditions. Typically, by u10, leagues are following TLOG regarding scoring from goal kicks and punts.