Question Number: 20969

Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/12/2009

RE: Under 15

Terry Allen of Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 20951

Thank you for your explanation. Very clear. Now, just so I understand the Law's application correctly please tell me if this is correct.

A player (goal keeper or otherwise) goes to take a goal kick or free kick from within his own penalty area, slips and duffs the ball with enough momentum to only just make it to the edge of the penalty area.

Fearing it will roll to the feet of an attacker, leaving him as a sitting duck, he races forward & dives on the ball just before it makes it across the line.

As the ball has not left the penalty area, the keeper has prevented a near disaster and may calmly take the ball back to its original spot and place the ball ready for a retake.

Correct?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Correct. The ball is not in play until it is kicked directly out of the penalty area - meaning all of the ball must be outside of the line marking the penalty area (lines are part of the area they encompass).

Depending on the referee, the game, and the circumstances (has this GK been skirting the edges of misconduct all game?) it is possible to get a delaying the restart caution for such behavior. Very unlikely, of course, but worth mentioning. Word to the wise and all.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

He may. That said, if, in the opinion of the referee, this constituted misconduct, he could be cautioned and shown the yellow card for either delaying the restart of play or unsporting behavior.