Question Number: 32294

Law 14 - The Penalty kick 3/11/2018

RE: Under 16

Richard Bowering of london, United Kingdom asks...

A penalty is awarded but the penalty spot is worn down (approximately 4 inches deep ), muddy and wet. Can the ball be placed behind the spot for the penalty kick to be taken ?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Richard,
Technically NO
if there is a fault it should have been addressed at the start of the match and filled in. If you ask COULD it happen as a matter of convenience anything is possible . Best to FIX the issue to avoid problems
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Richard
If the ball is placed in such a way that part of the ball is touching part of the penalty mark then we have a satisfactory placement. If it is not possible then we have a problem. Behind the mark is not acceptable.
My advice is to ensue that the mark is good order before kick off so that it does not arise.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Richard,
Moving the ball in any direction can have a fairly significant effect on the kick. For instance, a ball that would have gone just in the corner may miss if it's behind the mark. Or if it's curving, it may go in instead!
Or it may go further into the corner making it harder for the keeper to reach.
If the penalty spot itself is unplayable this should be considered when determining whether to play the match.
Otherwise, the players are stuck with the spot as it is.
Bear in mind that the kicker can pass it to a teammate - the ball simply needs to move in a forwards direction and all players must remain outside the PA until kicked. But I've seen that done effectively.