Question Number: 20987

Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/16/2009

RE: Adult

Lewis MacNab of Bury, Lancashire England asks...

Could a INDFK be taken on the goalline?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

An offense for which an IDFK would be given could take place on the goal line. Generally, that would have to be on the goal line outside of the goal area, with the exception of IDFK for the defense.

Offenses in the goal area can be taken from anywhere within the goal area by the defense, including the goal line.

Offenses in the goal area for the attacking team are taken at the top of the goal area line, closest to where the offense occurred.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Lewis,
the goal line is the ENTIRE boundary line that runs the width at each end of the field from corner flag to corner flag NOT just the 8 yard piece that runs inside the goal from goal post to goal post.

For any INDFK offence that occurs INSIDE the GOAL AREA be it along the goal line in FAVOUR of the attacking side. The indfk could only occur 6 yards AWAY from the goal line! The section of goal line INSIDE the area encompassed by the goal area which extends 6 yards in either direction from the goal posts a total of 20 yards (6 plus 8 inside the goal posts plus 6) has a special circumstance section in law 13 which does not permit indfks to occur closer than 6 yards from the goal.

The goal line is also part of the 18 yard penalty area which extends another 12yards further out past the goal area on either side making that section of the goal line actually 44 yards wide.

From the end point of the penalty area which then runs perpendicular into the field for 18 yards, the remaining section of goal line will extend to the Corner Flag for the rest of the goal line anywhere from 3 yards to 28 yards (Field width; Min 50 yds Max 100 yds) or if a professional match 13 to 18 yards off each side. (Field width; Min 70 yds Max 80 yds

As INDFK are not PK/DFK if the infraction actually occurs on the goal line OUTSIDE of the goal area that is where the attacking INDFK COULD be taken from.

The attacking side has a special circumstance in law 13 that prohibits INDFKs from closer than the 6 yards outer goal area boundary! In DIRECT contrast the defending side has an opposing special circumstance that allows them to place the ball ANYWHERE they wish INSIDE the goal area COULD in fact take an INDFK on the goal line if the infraction was committed inside the goal area as they can place it
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If there is an IFK offense in favor of the defending team inside their own goal area than they could take it on the goal line although I can't imagine anyone being stupid enough to do this. Far better to take it from the six yard line instead