Does the ball have to be stationary from a goal kick? - the-ref.co.uk: The forum for football referees

Ref · February 21st, 2010, 03:31 PM

I was on a game the other day, and the ball was moving from a goal kick (other end of the field of play) and it led to some shouting and the ball was launched up and resulted in a goal. Trivial, but the conceding team were moaning saying the ball was moving.

At the end of the game, the other AR says to the ref "yeah yeah the ball was definitely moving but it doesn't have to be stationary from a goal kick. If you read the LOTG it says that the ball must be stationary for every restart in play but it doesn't say it does for a goal kick, so it just has to be inside the six yard area".

I had a look at the laws of the game

Free Kicks:

Quote:

For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the
kick is taken and the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched
another player.

Goal Kicks:

Quote:

• The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the
defending team
• Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play
• The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player
• The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area

Help? Shall I now allow goal kicks to be taken as long as the ball is in the goal area, even if it's moving? Or do players expect the ball to be stopped to just make them retake?

marc4620 · February 21st, 2010, 07:58 PM

I look at it that a goal kick is actually a freekick; ie. its not contested in open play. We all know a goal kick is an indirect freekick and therefore the general rules of an indirect free apply.

Therefore the ball has to be stationary as in an indirect free kick, in addition to the other criteria specified in the goal kick rule.

Ref · February 21st, 2010, 08:24 PM

So why is there a law for goal kicks on their own, and it doesn't say that an IDFK is awarded when the ball leaves the field of play from behind the goal line?

Bentheref · February 21st, 2010, 11:27 PM

As the earlier poster commented Dan-the ball MUST be stationary before a goal kick is taken.

Failure to do so should result in a retake.

marc4620 · February 22nd, 2010, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ref

So why is there a law for goal kicks on their own, and it doesn't say that an IDFK is awarded when the ball leaves the field of play from behind the goal line?

Because there is other criteria to adhere to and to consider in addition to the standard criteria of a indirect free kick.

Consider a corner kick; its called a corner kick but the basic principles are that of a direct free kick. However, because there are slight differences in the criteria then it is listed on its own, as is a goal kick.

Dan, if you want to allow the ball to roll whilst a goal kick is being taken then feel free; though I suspect you would struggle to justify letting it go.

Ref · February 22nd, 2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc4620

Dan, if you want to allow the ball to roll whilst a goal kick is being taken then feel free; though I suspect you would struggle to justify letting it go.

I wasn't the AR who allowed it to? I was only asking for advice and then offering other view points but fine.

Ref · February 22nd, 2010, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc4620

I look at it that a goal kick is actually a freekick; ie. its not contested in open play. We all know a goal kick is an indirect freekick and therefore the general rules of an indirect free apply.

Therefore the ball has to be stationary as in an indirect free kick, in addition to the other criteria specified in the goal kick rule.

You can score a goal directly from a goal kick though.

Leggy · February 23rd, 2010, 06:18 PM

The "other AR" is correct. The Law does not state that the ball must be stationery so you are not at liberty to have a goal-kick taken when it is taken in accordance with Law, i.e. with a a moving ball. I do realise that it might be a difficult "sell" to those who are in ignorance of the Laws, but that - sometimes - is what we have to do (**).

If we start taking liberties with the Laws we are doing a disservice to any referee who follows you and applies Law correctly.

How many times have you applied Law correctly only to be told that "last week's ref did not do that". How annoying is that?

** Example: The goal-keeper handles outside the penalty area but it is not an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The perceived wisdom is that he will be sent off because everyone thinks that is what happens every time. You, as the one with the qualification that says you are knowledgible in the Laws of the Game, are obliged to act otherwise, It is a hard "sell" but much better than an incorrect red card.

A goal-kick taken correctly, but with a moving ball, is a less serious but similar example.

marc4620 · February 24th, 2010, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc4620

I look at it that a goal kick is actually a freekick; ie. its not contested in open play. We all know a goal kick is an indirect freekick and therefore the general rules of an indirect free apply.

Therefore the ball has to be stationary as in an indirect free kick, in addition to the other criteria specified in the goal kick rule.

My mistake gents; I got that one wrong

By admitting my mistake do I keep my dignity intact and my teddies in the pram?

AndyForrest · February 24th, 2010, 06:40 PM

I`d make any Keeper take the kick again, if it was rolling!