Law 14 The Penalty Kick

Law 14 The Penalty Kick

Summary:

  • The team’s penalty taker can have (quick) treatment/assessment and then take the kick. 
  •  The goalkeeper must not be touching the goalposts/crossbar/nets; they must not be moving. 
  • The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on/in line with the goal line when the kick is taken; cannot stand behind the line. 

Explanation: 

  • It is unfair if the kicker needs assessment/treatment and then has to leave the field and cannot take the penalty kick. 
  • The referee must not signal for the penalty kick to be taken if the goalkeeper is touching the goalposts, crossbar or net, or if they are moving e.g. the goalkeeper has kicked/shaken them. 
  • Goalkeepers are not permitted to stand in front of or behind the line. Allowing the goalkeeper to have only one foot touching the goal line (or, if jumping, in line with the goal line) when the penalty kick is taken is a more practical approach as it is easier to identify if both feet are not on the line. As the kicker can ‘stutter’ in the run, it is reasonable that the goalkeeper can take one step in anticipation of the kick.