Question Number: 24343

Law 17 - Corner Kick 11/19/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Greg of Tillsonburg, Ontario Canada asks...

On a corner kick are the defending players allowed to stand inside their goal--behind the goal line?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Greg
The answer to this is no and neither are forwards allowed to do this. However in a match situation it is difficult for the referee to manage this when players are constantly moving. Many times players can be standing on the line inside the posts or move past the goalkeeper inside the goal line and that is allowed. Unless it is blatant or a clear reason to intervene such as jostling I would see it is trifling and just allow play to continue

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Stand? No. Move through the area quickly getting into position - perhaps - this is a judgment call for the referee. One foot on the goal line and the other off the field isn't worth concerning oneself about, IMHO.

Players are expected to play on the field and to stay on the field whether the ball is in play or not, unless they've left to go retrieve the ball or to take a throw-in. They may exit the field in the course of playing the ball and not be penalized, assuming they are in and out in a normal manner.