Question Number: 28739

Law 18 - Common Sense 9/16/2014

RE: Select

Steve Fehlhaber of Westerville, OH USA asks...

A goalie punts the ball from the 6. The ball shanks off her foot and her teammate enters the 18 and begins to dribble the ball. Is this legal? If not what is the restart?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

You wrote 'goalie punts' which indicates that the ball was in play and in the keeper's hands. During live play anyone can play the ball inside the penalty area.

On a goal kick or any free kick for the defense that beings inside the penalty area, the ball is not in play until the ball leaves the penalty area and enters the field of play. If the ball is touched by any player before it leaves the penalty area, the referee should order the kick retaken.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Steve
Terminology is important here. If it is a punt then the ball was in play and there is no requirement for it to leave the penalty area.
On the other hand if it is a goal kick then the ball is not in play until it leaves the penalty area and if it is touched inside the penalty area by any player then the kick is retaken.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Steve.
you indicate you are a referee so your language is important as is your description of an event that you want input on!.

We all been there, done that, enjoyed the good, withstood the bad, rode the learning curve train of excellence to be at match station . It might seem inconsequential to some, however, I like to encourage referees to submit properly prepared written reports on facts regarding play as they formulate the entire basis of understanding when review committees have to go over situational circumstances that they HAVE NOT NOR EVER WILL SEE! It is an art form, unfortunately not often taken seriously because the referee is usually not the one dealing with the repercussions.

You received a set of answers responding to the situation and circumstances of a scenario you provided, by several wise and experienced referees. As you can tell by the responses we are unclear as to the EXACT circumstances of your situation.

Each panel referee who donates their time and energy in answering a question does so with integrity and compassion. We all support the LOTG with equal fervour but within each response is our own unique character signature!

Aside from dispensing information, this site enjoys a privileged position where we can and do try to hold those who ask questions, referees in particular, to a higher standard because as a job we strive to be professional in our efforts at every level of the game be it the u little's, recreational, high school, college, adult, semi pro, pro or World Cup.

We encourage the young officials, in fact any referee, to think for themselves, to deliberate carefully when and especially after performing their duties! To remember that a referee is an ambassador to the game away from the field as much as on it!

You might think it odd to be critiqued for a simple question you wanted answered but ask yourself, what value do you gain if those that claim to offer assistance do not provide due diligence in dispensing what they believe is useful or helpful information?

You are not being singled out but you are being challenged to become a better referee. We believe our mandate is to encourage better understanding, better relationships' between those that make up the game; -the fans, - the coaches, - the players, - the parents, and by forcing referees to consider the, What ifs? and how their actions translate into the well being of any match, prior, during and post.

In submitting questions think of it as writing a report where you must accurately describe to them so they can visualize an incident never seen! Use greater detail, proper terminology and clarity so every one can follow the circumstances as if they were there, watching with you!

We do hope to hear from you again and look forward to rendering what ever assistance we can!
Cheers