Question Number: 20157

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 10/5/2008

RE: rec Under 12

Susan of Flat Rock, IL USA asks...

Can a player go into the penalty box to score a goal?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Of course. Why wouldn't a player be allowed inside the opposing penalty area? That's precisely the area the player would want to be to maximize the chances of a goal. Of course, if that player is in offside position when the ball is played or touched by a teammate he may not participate in play or he will be guilty of an offside offense.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Susan,
sometimes in wee one soccer there are the these special concepts like a circle around the mini goals where if they use a keeper (which in my opinion is not a good idea) no attackers can enter the circle so as not to hurt the keeper accidently.

As the kids get older of course the 6 yard goal area inside the 18 yard penalty area has this vestige of myth that no one can go there except the keeper. The fact is in active play you can waltz the ball right into the netted area if you are so lucky.

ONLY on defending free kicks/includes goal kicks coming OUT of the penalty areas is there restrictions where opponents CAN not enter the 18 yard penalty area until the ball has CLEARED the penalty area.
Cheers