Question Number: 29294

Law 16 - Goal Kick 4/10/2015

RE: competitive Adult

Andy Yates of Plymouth , Devon England asks...

I'm a goalkeeper, the other day my centre half came to take a six yard kick, I placed the ball down and played it short to the left back. The referee made us retake the kick as he said the centre half wasn't allowed to be in the box. Was he right?

My understanding is that as long as the ball isn't played by him then it's not an infringement. Similarly, if he comes back to take the kick, I can still kick it wide and he can follow the ball, touching it once it leaves the box.

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Andy,
Unfortunately the referee was incorrect here. the Laws of the Game specifically state that attackers must not be inside the Penalty Area when a goal kick is being taken, but do not mention defenders. So they can be inside the Penalty Area - just as long as they do not touch the ball until it leaves the Penalty Area.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Andy,
You my friend are spot on!
On the other hand, it appears the referee is in dire need of a refresher course!
Only the attackers have to be outside on defensive free kicks from inside the penalty area!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Andy
The referee made an error here in Law. Only opponents are required to be outside the penalty area and even at that on a quick goal kick that requirement can be ignored. How else could a defender take a goal kick!!
I suspect that with it looking like the centre half was going to take the goal kick that it confused the referee into thinking that there is something here to do with players being outside the penalty area and he incorrectly went with a retake. While I would have to accept the incorrect call I would mention it to the referee after the game in a friendly way about his incorrect call