Question Number: 30377

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/2/2016

RE: Recreational and select Under 19

David of Franklin, Tennessee USA asks...

During a U11 girl's recreational match, the keeper gains control of the ball and attempts to kick it out of her penalty area. The ball flies upwards off her foot with backspin and fails to exit the penalty area completely when a defending teammate tries to kick it away. What is the proper call and/or restart?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi David
I suspect you are confusing this with a goal kick or a free kick. As the ball is already in play the ball does not have to leave the penalty area to be played by any other player. In your example there is no offence so it is play on. The only possible offence is the goalkeeper touching the ball with her hands until it has touched an opponent or played to her legally by a team mate such as a header, chest etc.

Answer provided by Referee James Sowa

David,

As written, absolutely nothing would happen. A goalies punt does not need to leave the area. Only defensive free kicks and goal kicks must do this. The only offense in this case could be the keeper grabbing the ball for a second time in which case an indirect free kick would be awarded to the attacking team at the point where the keeper grabbed the ball again.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I agree with my colleagues - there's a difference between punts and goal kicks.

I would even suggest that at U11 rec, it might be wiser to warn the keeper against picking up the ball again before calling the second-touch. It depends on the level of play in your area. Some rec teams are real beginners who deserve a few breaks; others are pretty well accomplished.