Question Number: 29687

Law 16 - Goal Kick 9/11/2015

RE: Select Under 15

Edward Abraham of Agawam, Massachusetts United States asks...

While a defensive player was taking a Goal Kick, he touched the ball a second time prior to it leaving the penalty area (double touch). He basically was trying to dribble it out of the box. I stopped the play and requested a 'Re-Kick' noting that the ball had not left the penalty area prior to a second touch - even though it was his own. I contemplated an indirect to the attacking team where the second touch occurred, but felt that the ball was not 'truly' in play since it had not left the area therefore I requested a re-kick.
Your thoughts?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Edward,
well done, you were correct the ball is NOT YET in play . This is true on ...ANY... defending free kick that originates within their own PA, not just goal kicks. The ball must completely clear the PA boundary lines to be in play!
Just a consideration!
The 2nd touch occurred because it was not hard enough or was it to prevent an opponent outside from getting a great chance? The reasoning MIGHT factor into a delaying the restart and whether a caution is warranted. Usually though at youth levels simply a rekick and get on with it!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Edward
You were indeed correct. As the ball has not left the penalty area it is not in play so no technical offence can occur. The only possible restart is a retake.
Now one would think that an U 15 player should know that he cannot play any restart to himself including a goal kick? Had the 2nd kick happened after the ball left the penalty area it would have been a double touch infringement

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 29691