1. The Goal Kick (16) U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Online Training Script:
Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 9 Referee Course.
Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the small sided and recreational youth game.
This presentation focuses on Law 16 – The Goal Kick.
U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Grade 9 Referee Course
Small Sided and Recreational Youth Training

2. When is a goal kick awarded?
Online Training Script:
A goal kick is a method of restarting play and is awarded to the defending team when the ball crosses the goal line, without a goal being scored, when last touched by a player from the attacking team.
A goal can be scored directly from a goal kick and an attacking player cannot be offside if he or she receives the ball directly from the goal kick.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Crosses goal line
Last touched by attacker
No goal is scored

3. Procedure Ball placed anywhere in goal area
Defending players outside penalty area
Online Training Script:
To restart play, the ball is placed anywhere within the goal area.
All opposing players must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
The ball is in play as soon as it is kicked and leaves the penalty area.
If any player from either team makes contact with the ball before it leaves the penalty area, the goal kick is retaken.
Because small sided and recreational youth games can have different field sizes and field markings, officials should be aware of any local rules of competition that may modify the standard goal kick procedure.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
First click – Place ball anywhere in goal area
Second click shows that opposing team members have to be outside of penalty area.
Third click indicates that ball is in play after it leaves the penalty area.
Ball in play

4. Infringements
Retake goal kick if ball is not kicked out of penalty area
Double touch = IFK to opponent (but only if ball is outside of penalty area at second touch)
Retake goal kick for any other infringement
Online Training Script:
If the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area then the goal kick is retaken.
If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.
The goal kick is retaken for any other infringement, such as an opponent entering the penalty area after the ball is kicked but before it leaves the penalty area.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

5. Review Question
A goal kick is awarded when the ball wholly crosses a ______ when last touched by a player from the attacking team.
Touch line
Goal line
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

6. Review Question
A goal kick is taken and the ball stops before leaving the penalty area. The correct action is:
Award an IFK to the opposing team
The ball may be played by either team if it comes to a complete stop
Re-take the goal kick
Online Training Script:
If the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area then the goal kick is retaken.
If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.
The goal kick is retaken for any other infringement, such as an opponent entering the penalty area after the ball is kicked but before it leaves the penalty area.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

7. Review Question
During a goal kick, are all opposing players required to be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play?
Yes No
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

8. Review Question When is the ball in play from a goal kick?
When it is kicked and moves
When it leaves the goal area
When it leaves the penalty area
Not until it has been touched by a player other than the kicker
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points: