Question Number: 24960

Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/17/2011

RE: Competitive Under 9

Adriano of markham, ont canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24050

okay so let me get this straight, so if the ball goes out of play and a goal kick is awareded the goalie can put the ball down and kick it. In this case the opposing team can't go after it so in this situation it's NOT a free ball.

If the goalie makes a save and then puts it down it's a free ball...is that correct?

Thank you

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes.

On a goal kick, all of the defenders must be outside the penalty area. The ball is not in play (and no one may touch it) until the ball leaves the penalty area.

During live play, the defenders may not interfere with a goalkeeper in possession of the ball with her hands or when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing the ball. Once the goalkeeper voluntarily releases the ball to the ground, anyone may play the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Adriano
When the ball goes out of play over the goal line, last touched by the attacking team, a goal kick is awarded. The goal kick is taken from anywhere inside the goal area and the ball is not in play until it is kicked beyond the penalty area.
If the goalkeeper makes a save then the ball is in play and if the goalkeeper throws the ball down it can be challenged for by an opponent. The goalkeeper may not touch the ball with his hands again until it has touched an opponent.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Per Laws Of The Game, that is correct Coach. While the ball is in play, once the keeper lets it out of his hands and lays it on the turf, anyone may play it. At a goal kick, the ball is not in play and the opponents must leave the penalty area and cannot play the ball until it leaves the penalty area. Teammates may stay inside the penalty area but may not touch the ball until it leaves the penalty area.


But....local authorities may have goalkeeper modifications for very young players. Here in Georgia we had a U10 goalkeeper modification that allowed the keeper to not only put the ball on the turf without fear of a challenge but the opponents were required to leave the penalty area and the keeper could dribble the ball all the way to the edge of the penalty area no challenges allowed.

I see you coach U9. You should check with your League and make sure of ALL the modifications for your age group. I'm pretty sure there will be some.