Question Number: 30932

Law 14 - The Penalty kick 10/21/2016

RE: Under 19

Brian of Brooklyn, NY USA asks...

Re penalty kicks.

I understand that all players must be behind the ball i.e not closer to the goal line but do they have to be behind the 18 yard line (as if it extended the full width of the field)? Can any player stand 10 yards away (outside the penalty area) from the penalty spot but closer to the goal line than the 18 yard line?

Thanks,
Brian.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Brian,

Yes I base it on how the wording reads it seems possible for a player to go out toward the touchlines and come to within 12 plus yards of the goal line while being outside the PA yet in the FOP. The penalty arc is the ten yard radius so those in behind the kicker are the mandatory distance away. You are plenty far away at the edges but It would be whether you are BEHIND the penalty spot.



Here is the FIFA QUOTE
The players other than the kicker and goalkeeper must be:
• at least 9.15 m (10 yds.) from the penalty mark
• behind the penalty mark
• inside the field of play
• outside the penalty area

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Brian
Players must be at least 10 yards from the ball and outside the penalty area and arc. Player can go to the side of the penalty area yet must remain outside the area. The reason it is never done is that players assess that the *best* location is in front of goal along the 18 yard line or arc rather than to the side level or behind the ball. It is why there can be a jostling queue at the intersection of the arc and penalty area for position.
I suppose should the ball be saved the question one has to ask is whether the ball will be diverted to the side in which case the side on position could be more advantageous.
To the side as a starting point it is a lot further from the ball by some 12 yards so it is highly questionable.

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See Question: 30941