IFAB Laws of the Game · Law 16

Law 16: The Goal Kick

Goal kick procedure since the ball is in play once kicked and moves, and opponents' obligation to leave the penalty area.

Key points of Law 16

Goal kick procedure

The ball is in play once it is kicked and clearly moves; it may be played inside the penalty area. Opponents must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.

Law 16 practice questions

3 questions on The Goal Kick, each with the correct answer and an explanation of the reasoning. These are drawn from the free question bank.

Question 1 Law 16 standard

At a goal kick, when is the ball in play, and may it be played inside the penalty area?

A In play once it is kicked and clearly moves; it may be played inside the penalty area Correct answer

B In play only once it has left the penalty area; it may not be played inside

C In play once it is kicked, but it must leave the penalty area before a second touch

D In play only once it has been touched by a second player

Why Law 16: the ball is in play from a goal kick once it is kicked and clearly moves, and it may be played by a team-mate inside the penalty area — the requirement that it leave the area was removed.

Question 2 Law 16 advanced

A goal kick is taken while an opponent is still inside the penalty area. That opponent plays the ball. What is the decision?

A The goal kick is retaken Correct answer

B An indirect free kick to the defending team

C Play continues

D A direct free kick to the defending team

Why Law 16: opponents must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. If a goal kick is taken quickly and an opponent inside the area plays or challenges for the ball, the goal kick is retaken.

Question 3 Law 16 intro

A goal kick is played long and enters the opponents' goal directly without being touched. What is the decision?

A A goal is awarded Correct answer

B No goal — a goal kick is retaken

C No goal — a corner kick to the opponents

D No goal — a goal kick to the opponents

Why Law 16: a goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opponents. If the ball enters the kicker's own goal directly, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents.

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