Question Number: 29938

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 11/21/2015

RE: Rec Adult

Russ B of Beaumont, California United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29924

Maybe I misunderstood the question so Just to follow up on the initial question which says that 'the penalty kick is about to be taken' why isnt a penality kick awarded.

A penality kick can not be awarded since the ball is not in play.

I would say to the person that asked the question that his unfamiliarity with the LOTG is the root cause of his frustration And like man spectators probably starting yelling at the ref crew.

How can you award a penalty kick the ball is not in play? Misconduct yes, PK no.

Thoughts

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Russ,
you are correct in thinking that any MISCONDUCT which occurs BEFORE the corner kick is just that misconduct and it would not change the coroner kick restart
Yet I inferred the questioner was simply venting his frustration ONCE the corner kick has been taken the holding and pushing inside the PENALTY AREA is blatantly obvious yet no PKS are awarded to the attack or a DFK out for the defence.
You could easily award a PK or a DFK on almost any corner kick taken as the ball is being delivered into the PA! Far too often in my opinion these fouls are considered as trifling or doubtful or simply ignored. And judging from the tone of the last questioner he would have this same opinion!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russ
You are indeed correct. A free kick or penalty kick can only be awarded when the ball is in play.
Now what has happened in the modern game is that referees are constantly stepping in to speak with players before the kick is taken. That holds up the game and for me it is frustrating when done multiple times. Yes I can see times when the situation between two players can escalate into something more serious and the referee needs to intervene. However when it becomes constant I feel that the game would be better served just waiting for the kick to be taken and then awarding what ever foul comes first.