Question Number: 13671

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 9/5/2006

Muhammad Afzal Khan of Quetta, Pakistan asks...

A team attacker goal the ball A team celebriate this goal the A team goalkeeper also include in this celebration.

Team B take any player take the ball quick action and start the ball but the goalkeeper runing very fast to own goal Team B player kick off direct to team A goal post but the goalkeeper was not in his position the ball is entre the goal, so I would like to know about that this is goal or not? because my opinion the goalkeeper was not in his position.

Please tell me this is goal? if yes so please explain soon.

Thank You. Have Good Time you all.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hello Muhammad. If I understand you correctly Team A has scored a goal and the Team A keeper is celebrating along with other Team A players. Team B grabs the ball to set up for a kick off. A kick off is one time where the kicking team may NOT take the kick before the referee has signalled. Also, all players must be in their own half of the field. If the referee has given the signal then this is a valid goal. If the referee has not given a signal and Team B took a quick kick, this is NOT a valid goal.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

There is a signal required to restart play after a goal is scored. If that signal was not given there was no restart of play. That said, the referee has an obligation to ensure the goalkeeper is present on the field before restarting play, that all players are in their own half of the field and opponents of the kicker are at least 9,15 m from the ball. It is the responsibility of the goalkeeper to be aware his opponents may score a goal from the kick off and take appropriate defensive measures. If he considers a celebration of his side's goal more important than preventing his opponents scoring one that's his right.

Law 8 does not obligate the referee to ensure a goalkeeper is properly positioned; only that he is in his own half and at least 9,15 m from the ball before restarting play.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The referee must signal for a kick off. If the referee signaled goal. Although I do not whistle kick offs unless beginning of new half or game, I will never signal unless all players are ready especially keeper.