Question Number: 30533

Kicks From The Penalty mark 6/23/2016

RE: High end competitive youth Under 19

Michael S of redwood city, California United States asks...

When taking kicks from the mark to determine a winner. Goalie comes off the line too early and is cautioned. Later, he does the same thing and is cautioned again, which now results in an ejection. When does the opposing team have to reduce the number of players, so that both teams have the same number of players ? At that time of the goalie ejection, or not until after the current round of kicks (all 11 for example) are taken ?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Under the new Laws of the Game, reduce to equate takes place before and during the kicks from the penalty mark to determine a winner. That wasn't the case in the past.

The new text is, 'If at the end of the match and before or during the kicks one team has a greater number of players than its opponents, it must reduce its numbers to the same number as its opponents and the referee must be informed of the name and number of each player excluded.'

Now, you need to find out whether your competition is playing under the new Laws yet. They were supposed to be in effect for any competition starting after June 1. But some localities, particularly those for youth and amateur play, will not implement the new Laws until they have a chance to instruct the referees. In my area that happens during recert clinics in the fall or winter, so typically we don't use changes in the Laws until the next spring season.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Michael,
With the new laws I pity any referee face with KFTM and a goalkeeper already on a caution.

But in answer to your question, under the new laws the reduction of the other team would occur immediately.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Michael
I believe this Law now makes it difficult for a referee to deal with encroachment and adds to the pressure. In the past I have on two occasions asked for two retakes on encroachment by the same GKs in KFTPM. Under the new Laws I have to dismiss them for this. Perhaps the first caution might settle the GK more than the retake and instruction? Im not so sure.
Anyway if a player is now sent off from KFTPM the opponents get to reduce by one at that time. It should be done immediately and while the new GK is being readied or the player is leaving. I think that is fair yet implementing it might not be so easy as teams will not fully understand it plus little thought can be given to who is not taking a penalty kick from the remaining five not listed to take the first five kicks.

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

See Question: 30537