Question Number: 29490

Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/21/2015

RE: Junior Under 13

Caleb bragg of Melbourne, Victoria Australia asks...

Is a defender of the goalies team allowed in the box while the goalie is taking the goal kick

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Caleb
Yes is the simple answer. In fact it is the only way a kicked restart can be taken by any player other than the goalkeeper. What cannot happen is that the ball is touched by any player before it leaves the penalty area.
I might also point out that in the case of a quick goal kick with opponents still inside the penalty area the referee would allow play to continue.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Caleb,
Yes!
on any free kick in favour of the defenders, including the goal kick, all of the defending team can choose to be inside the PA (penalty area). The only issue is the ball CAN NOT be played or touched by anyone from either team until it completely clears the PA, once it is kicked . It is part of the LOTG that the opponents must still obey the 10 yds minimum distance and remain ...outside... the PA at the taking of the free kick and in fact, the opponents must STAY outside until the ball exits the PA. We could choose to ignore if a opponent might get caught within the PA on the taking of the defending free kick, however, once the ball is kicked, if the ball was to be touched by any off the 22 players before it has left the PA the free kick is retaken.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes. Defenders can go in. Only attackers have to be outside the penalty area until ball clears the penalty area.