Question Number: 26328

Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/12/2012

RE: Under 8

David of ny, ny usa asks...

An opposing coach said that for a goal kick, a player is allowed to either punt or kick the ball off the ground. I have never heard that a punt is permitted and can't find any mention of this in FIFA or USYS rules. I though the ball had to be stationary. Any insight?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi David
I suspect that the coach is referring to a local under 8s competition rule. In some u8 leagues that I officiate in there is a competition rule that allows the goal kicks to be punted.
In regular games the ball must be placed inside the goal area for the goal kick to be taken properly. A very small movement of the ball could be seen as trifling with play being allowed to continue.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Our 'competitive' regional select league has such a rule for U8 through U10. Instead of a goal kick, the goalkeeper is given the ball in his hands, and he may distribute it by throwing, kicking, punting, or dribbling it away. It presents all kinds of questions - when is the ball in play? what about second-touch? - but they didn't ask me or likely any other referee before they formulated the rules.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Only in small sided games would one find such a rule. Law 16 on goal kicks clearly says the ball must be played from a stationary position on the ground within the goal area, but that is occasionally modified in local rules for the little guys.

Your local rules should be available for you to keep and study.