Question Number: 29756

Law 16 - Goal Kick 9/30/2015

RE: Rec Under 9

Barry Soliday of Farmer City, IL US asks...

On a goal kick can my defensive players stay within the 18box? I know the receiving team must stay out but what about the defense for the kicking team?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
The restriction only applies to attackers so the kicking team can have as many players as it wishes inside the penalty area. Those players are however restricted from playing the ball until it leaves the penalty area.

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Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Barry,

Any number of defenders can remain inside the Penalty Area - they just can't touch the ball until it leaves the PA.

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Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Barry,
on a goal kick or in fact on ..ANY... free kick in the defender's favour coming out of their own PA the defender's can pack all 11 in there if they wish. The opposition MUST stay clear until the ball COMPLETELY exits the PA and if the free kick is ...less... than ten yards away from the boundary lines the opposition must STILL keep the 1o yards away from the restart location as dictated by the LOTG. The only restriction on the defenders' is the ball must clear the PA boundary lines before another teammate can play the ball.
Cheers

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