Question Number: 28614

League Specific 7/20/2014

RE: Competitive Under 14

Mark of Jericho, New York USA asks...

Corner kick deflects off a defenseman into the goal, does the kicker get credit for the goal??

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

As far as the referee is concerned, the corner kicker's TEAM gets credit for the goal. Which individual scored it - or if it was an own goal - is of concern to the players, coaches or media. As a coach, if you want give the kicker credit for the goal, that is your prerogative.

In the leagues I work, I am requested to indicate the number of the player that scored the goal on the game sheet. So I would record the number of the last attacker to touch the ball - so for this play it would be the player that took the corner kick.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
In the English Premier League there is a panel set up called the '' Dubious Goals Panel'' that decide on these type of goals. The decisions are only important though for fantasy football competitions, betting etc.
The method used in that panel's decision lies in the answer to the following question. Had the defender not touched the ball would the ball have entered the goal? Generally from a corner kick the answer is no in which case the defender is awarded the own goal.
Like Referee Voshol in situations at lower levels of the game where referees are expected to record goal scorers I record the last attacking player to touch the ball. At that level the only interest is from the team, no one else.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

While this is something that is important in some competitions, it generally isn't discussed in great detail among referees.

So for myself, if it's just a deflection where he had little to no chance of control, I'd award it to the kicker. If it's a major blunder by the defence and the kick by the attack had little to do with it going into the goal, I'd go to the defence. In most of these scenarios I would think the defender should have been able to clear it but just badly misjudged the ball come across, so most likely an own goal for me. It's a judgement call though.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Whether an own goal or a deflected goal still a goal! Last attacking player usually gets the nod or notation if I am recording. Team sport Team goal lol
Cheers