Question Number: 26161

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/10/2012

RE: Competive Under 15

Edgar of Crossroads, TX USA asks...

Question 1: Can a goal be scored from a kick off in the centerfield mark with only the attaking player kicking the ball directly into the goal? (The goalkeper touched the ball before it went in)

Question 2: Can a player be offside on a direct free kick from his own team?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Edgar
Q1. Yes a goal can be scored direct from a kick off and it does not need to touch another player.
Q2. There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from a team mate at
# a goal kick
# a throw-in
# a corner kick
Offside applies at all other times including free kicks.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Q1. Yes. A goal can be scored directly on a kick off. An own goal cannot.

Q2. Yes. Free kicks are not among the exceptions to Law 11.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

1. Kickoffs have been direct for 16 years now; the goal counts. And what you describe - the goalkeeper touching the ball - makes it no longer direct. So even if it was an indirect kick, the goal would count.

2. Offside is exempted only from 3 restarts - goal kick, corner kick and throw-in. At free kicks, offside still applies.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

1. Of course. See Law 8. but this wasn't directly into the goal as the keeper touched it. Doesn't matter if keeper touched i or not. Still a goal
2.Of course. See Law 11.