Question Number: 35691

High School 9/11/2024

RE: WIAA WI High School High School

Gottlieb Brandli jr of Monroe, Wi United States asks...

Goal kick. Player set ball down inside 6 yrd box takes a step back then goes forward to reposition the ball is this ok or is there an in fraction if infraction what would proper restart be?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi GB jr.
The goal kick commences when the stationary ball is placed correctly in the goal area & it is kicked with the foot by the player/keeper!
It could be a gust of wind or perhaps the ball rolled into a divot as to the reason. As long as the 2nd placement was with the hands there is no restart no confusion whereas a foot roll might create some discussion. lol
The only OTHER consideration is the length of time and if the referee was thinking this was a delay tactic it is possible the player/keeper taking the goal kick could be cautioned. That would NOT change the restart which remains a goal kick.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Gottlieb

In a FIFA game a player could be cautioned for delaying the restart if the referee believes that it is an intentional and excessive delaying tactic. If it is a genuine repositioning due to say the ball moving then there is no need for the referee to intervene and the kick is taken.
NFHS used to be strict on moving the ball once it was spotted. That has since changed and it is now the same as FIFA.

Both codes do not take kindly to the ball being spotted and then moving it to the other side. That can be seen as delaying the restart. A simple reset is here nor there although perhaps legacy rule issues may still prevail with some referees.
So my advice is to opine whether it is a genuine reseting of the ball or if it was done for delaying reasons. A referee should factor in what is happening in the game and decide accordingly.

Either way the restart does not change and it is still a goal kick.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Gottlieb,
I have to say that just on the face of it, it doesn't really sound like there's much of an offence here. A minor repositioning of the ball is usually seen as a normal and accepted part of the game

However, if the repositioning or the time it takes is seen as excessive, it is possible the referee could decide that the player is guilty of delaying the restart. In this case the the player would be cautioned.

In either case, the restart does not change - it's still a goal kick.