Question Number: 29033

Law 16 - Goal Kick 12/6/2014

RE: rec Under 12

pete of floral park, ny usa asks...

hi refs,
when a team has a goal kick i know the ball has to leave the penaty area for it to be in play, my question is if a team has a free kick in their own penalty area do the same rules apply as a goal kick or can a player pass it to a teamate inside the pa and be challenged by the opposition.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Pete,
ANY free kick be it INDFK or DFK taken by the defending team within their own penalty area must 1st completely clear the penalty area to be in play. Tis the same as the GOAL KICK! If the ball is played or is touched by either an opponent or a team mate the kick is retaken. The opposition must still be outside the penalty area and at least 10 yards away from the point of the free kick as well.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Pete
All kicked restarts by the defending team must leave the penalty area to be in play so the same applies to both goal kicks and free kicks.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes, the ball must leave the penalty area to be in play (the team's own penalty area). Law 13 and Law 16 (free kicks and goal kicks respectively) are worded almost exactly the same on when the ball is in play - after it leaves the penalty area. We have often wondered why so few people realize this - players, coaches, spectators, and even some referees.

Answer provided by Referee James Sowa

In order for a GK or a FK to be in play, they must both leave the penalty area. Here is the exact quote from Law 13 (Free Kicks):

'If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty
area, the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area:
• the kick is retaken'

Hope this helps!