Question Number: 33870

Law 18 - Common Sense 2/4/2020

RE: Competitive Adult

Dan Paolini of Eastampton, New Jersey United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 33860

I have seen people misinterpret this statement in the Outline Summary of Law Changes for Law 14 on page 151 (en):

The goalkeeper must not be touching the goalposts/crossbar/nets; they must not be moving.

as meaning that the goalkeeper (who is not a 'they') cannot be moving. The wording summarizes that the kick shall not be taken while the goalposts/crossbar/nets are still moving. I fear this may become one of those myths of the game...

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dan
Interesting observation however the wording in Law 14 states **The ball must be stationary on the penalty mark and the goalposts, crossbar and goal net must not be moving*
Throw in one foot on the line and I doubt anyone could interpret that the goalkeeper could not be moving!

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Dan,
Yes, I suppose some people, who have only read that summary, could potentially take it the wrong way. However as ref McHugh correctly points out, the actual wording leaves us in no doubt that the ''must not be moving'' part refers only to the goal frame and nets, not the goalkeeper.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Dan,
the very state of physics suggests everything is moving all of the time. lol but for soccer this section of the law would be so the keeper is not rocking the posts or crossbar, which would be difficult but if done proves they are very unsafe! And if a wind was doing so chances are the game should not be played!
Cheers