Question Number: 31904

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/15/2017

RE: Competitive Under 12

Jonathan Pyndell of Memphis , Tn USA asks...

What is the consequence if attacking player encroaches box before ball is played?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jonathon
I assume you refer to a goal kick. If the encroachment happens before the ball leaves the penalty area and it has an effect on play the goal kick is retaken. Sometimes we might let it slide as to bring play back may disadvantage the kicking team.
If the action is being done to delay the restart it can be a caution for at offence although that is rare.
If it is encroachment at a penalty kick the referee awaits the outcome of the kick to decide. If a goal is scored it is a retake. If it is missed it is an IDFK from from the location of the offence. At PKs encroachment can be trifling and doubtful with perhaps both teams guilty of encroachment. Many referees where is us trifling will let it slide.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Jonathan,
I can think of two possible scenarios here - goal kick and penalty kick. If it is a goal kick, I would agree with ref McHugh's analysis. If it is a penalty kick, it would depend on the outcome of the kick. To quote from law 14:

''if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken
if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and restarts with an indirect free kick''

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Jonathan,
consequences could include verbal warnings, cautions for delaying restart if foolishly a 2nd caution then a red card send off, a free kick or PK retaken or simply ignored play continues or in the case of a missed PK an INDFK out !

ANY outgoing free kick from INSIDE the PA MUST fully clear the penalty area BEFORE any player from EITHER team can play the ball.

All opponents are to REMAIN outside the PA & be at least 10 yards away as well at the taking of the kick.

NO opponent MAY enter the PA until the ball has completely left the PA
If they CUT across the corners to say intercept a goal or free kick to put pressure on the attacker receiving a short ball the kick could be retaken if this action AFFECTED the play. It can be ignored should play be advantageous for the attackers' in continuing outward play but a word of warning could be added to the opponent for not obeying the LOTG . As in the PK there is reason to see the event as trifling .

WE CAN apply advantage on such things but if the ball is actually contacted BEFORE it exits the PA the play MUST be restarted. The culprit could be cautioned if the contact was deliberate but if it was the result of a quick or poor kick that simply struck an opponent or player just retake.

The encroachment on a PK is viewed different because although some entry is ignored as trifling the LOTG DO state specifically the punishment
Retake the PK if a Goal is scored
INDFK out from the spot the player encroached if missed

Yet I have seen goals allowed as rebounds or played ahead to be scored by players who most definitely encroached ahead of the kick never mind the PK kicker scoring himself . Quite often one player will lead the charge as the obvious culprit but again often members of both teams are in there AHEAD of the PK kick trying to get to the ball ahead of the other which states a retake no matter what result. .

I believe this encroachment MUST not be permitted! I think in the view of technology this is an easy fix at the elite level just ENFORCE the law EVERY TIME it is on bloody camera! Players will be trained to not go until the ball is kicked. Other wise use your perception of trifling or doubtful as Your Match Your Decision Your Reputation!
Cheers