Question Number: 22727

Law 14 - Penalty kick 1/16/2010

RE: Competive High School

Kathleen of San Diego, California United States asks...

A team is givin a PK because of a hand ball. The player shoots the ball and the keeper saves it. The ref said the keeper jumped off the line before the kick so they had a chance to re-take it. Is the team allowed to change the player taking the pk after the first one missed it?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes, the kickers can change. Just be sure the player who will be taking the kick is identified (to the referee, and most importantly to the goalkeeper). This identification can be obvious if there is only one player within 10 yards of the ball. I usually confirm, by pointing toward the player and saying, "You will be taking the kick? OK, wait for my whistle."

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kathleen
Yes. The retake of the penalty is a totally new kick so the team can change the player who will be taking the kick. The referee is informed of the change. By the way the defending team can also change the goalkeeper should they so wish as well, again as long as the referee is informed.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Kathleen, a new PK is a new kick and here is how the process works. The referee signals for the PK, in this case a retake, and he identifies the kicker to the goalie. After the whistle, the kicker can take the kick. There is one exception to this when the same kicker has to take it. This comes up if we are in penalty shots to decide a winner after the game is tied and the kicker is the last one on the team who has not taken a shot yet.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. High school rules are the same as TLOG on this. A different player may take the rekick. One difference for high school is that a substitute who enters the match after the PK is awarded cannot take the kick (or rekick).