Law 16: The Goal Kick Explained
Law 16 covers when a goal kick is awarded, the procedure for taking it, and the change introduced in 2019 that allows opponents to enter the penalty area before the ball is in play (once it is kicked and clearly moves).
Key Points
- 1A goal kick is awarded when the ball wholly crosses the goal line and was last touched by an attacking player.
- 2The ball is placed anywhere in the goal area.
- 3Opponents may be inside the penalty area when the goal kick is taken.
- 4The ball is in play once it is kicked and clearly moves.
- 5The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until another player has touched it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can opponents be inside the penalty area when a goal kick is taken?
Yes. The 2019 law change removed the requirement for opponents to be outside the penalty area. Opponents may now enter the penalty area before the ball is in play. The ball is in play once it is kicked and clearly moves.
Can a goal be scored directly from a goal kick?
Yes. A goal can be scored directly from a goal kick against the opposing team. However, if the ball enters the kicking team's own goal directly, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents.
What happens if the kicker plays the ball a second time from a goal kick?
If the kicker plays the ball a second time before any other player has touched it, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opponents. If they handle it, a direct free kick or penalty is awarded depending on where the offence occurred.
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