Question Number: 16411

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 8/24/2007

RE: Rec Under 10

Mike Owens of Kentwood, MI USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15795

What if a goalkeeper attempts to release the ball and kicks [or possibly throws] it into his own goal?

I assume that since this is not a goal kick and the ball is in play it is a valid goal and would be considered an own goal.

I was "refereeing" a U8 game and saw this actually happen. The goalkeeper made a save, and attempted to punt the ball -- but his kick went _backwards_, up, over his head, and into the goal. I still don't understand how he physically did it, but it happened...fortunately both coaches agreed to let him try again without counting the goal.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Move that kid from playing keeper and make him into a bicycle-kicking striker!

U8 games are fun. I usually do one or two a year, just to get back to the grass roots and remember why I started all this. I remember one game a few years ago where we were restarting after an injury (boo-boo) stoppage. I was over where the ball was; most players were over nearer the injury or off talking with each other. I couldn't get their attention to get someone - anyone - to come over for the dropped ball. So I just dropped the ball and yelled out, "We're playing!" One of the dads on the sideline who also coaches an older select team just about split his gut laughing.

In your game, correct decision on the goal? No. Made for the right reason? Absolutely, it was certainly made with good intentions. But as my colleagues remark, they've got to learn the proper way things are done sometime. I guess it all comes down to the philosophy of your U8 league.

On restarts you cannot score an own goal. The keeper saving the ball and making a punt is not a restart - it is just a special version of the ball in play.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

As amusing as this is, I'd award the goal and tell the young keeper there's nothing wrong with this it happens from time to time. At U-8 shouldn't make a big deal out of any of this and should just make sure the kids are having fun. What you did, while against the Law, certainly sufficed for this game.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Mike what we see here is PC coaches cancelling out a learning opportunity for a goalkeeper. Granted, it isn't an easy lesson but it is a lesson to learn. Better to learn what happens when one has a lack of skill at this age than at an older age.

What happened shows all present if a goal is scored in accordance with Law 10 and it just doesn't feel right the goal may be negated by consensus of opinion. Life just isn't like that. There are lessons to be learned and the greatest is that harm may result from some things. Practice the skills necessary to kick the ball forward and this won't happen again. Cancel the goal and there is no need to practice the skills necessary to prevent it happening again.

Just my thoughts about life in general...