Question Number: 29127

Law 16 - Goal Kick 1/24/2015

RE: U9 mini soccer Under 9

Phil of Bexley, Kent UK asks...

Can a GK score a goal from a goal kick? Ie. one big kick I was on the understanding that if the ball passes through the pitch with no other player touching it not even the opposition GK and it goes in that the GKick has to be retaken?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Goal kicks have been direct since 1997.

Since you reference mini-soccer, perhaps your local league rules have made a modification. This is commonly done: 'All kicks are indirect.'

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
In the regular game a goal can be scored directly from a goal kick. It is an extremely long kick. Also an own goal cannot be scored directly from a goal kick
However in small sided games on modified pitches the laws are amended. For instance the goal kick is called a goal clearance and to quote the FA Small Sided Football Laws of the Game.
** Law 15. A goal clearance is a method of restarting play.
A goal may not be scored directly from a goal clearance.**
http://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/pdf/the-fa-2013-14/fa-rules-2013-14/fa-ssf-laws-of-the-game_2012.ashx
The restart would be a goal clearance to the opponents not a retake.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil,
Chance are in mini soccer NO! It might state NO directly as an amendment if they allow DFKs as the field sizes are tiny and the laws adapted to reflect playing conditions and skill requirements, often all kicks are indfk only. Usually the restart would be a goal kick out the opposite way, not a retake.
In regulation 11 aside, it takes a strong kick, bit of wind, weird bounce inattentive opposing keeper, but if the ball crosses under the crossbar between the posts completely over the goal line you have a goal . One likely to be talked about long after . Cheers