Question Number: 22798

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/6/2010

RE: level 1 Under 10

scott of bristol, avon asks...

can a goal keeper make a mound of mud and place the ball on it for a goal kick

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

No he may not. Strictly speaking, even so much as kicking a scuff mark into the ground should result in a caution for the player for making unauthorised markings on the field of play.

However, at this age the referee should consider that he needs to balance his role of administering the laws of the game with educating these young players - I would expect a referee to simply inform the player that he can't do that.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
What happens in reality and what the law says can be two different things. The law does not allow players to make unauthorised markings on the field of play. The player should be cautioned when the ball is out of play.
Now in reality the quality of pitches that we play on are poor and it is not too difficult for a goalkeeper to pick out a 'bump' anywhere inside the goal area or along the full length of the 6 yard line and to position the ball on that 'tee'. How that bump got there could be as a result of a boot mark or the result of a previous kick. Some times I have to repair divots at half time in these areas as they can be dangerous.
Some referees will turn a blind eye to a goalkeeper who kicks the ground to make a pockmark 'tee' or who 'repair' the ground by pressing down their foot behind the ball. I know referees who get upset about this and some will reprimand the player and some will use the caution. Others simply ignore it as they see it as trifling.
From experience if a goalkeeper is practising kicks out before the game the referee is not going to pay too much attention to the divots/ kick marks that goalkeeper/s have made in the corner of the goal area while practising. Goalkeepers do use these imperfections on the ground to 'tee' up the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

So the kiddo is making mud pies during the game, and uses one of them to tee up the goal kick? What a creative child! At that age, I would simply tell the child he cannot do that, smooth out the mound, and tell him to pick another place - but no fixing the ground up first. If he tried that more than once, I'm going to have a discussion with the coach and possibly caution him (I will try very hard not to have to do that, though).

If this was an adult or older youth who ought to know better, my forgiveness is much smaller. If it really is a mound, and not just an unfortunate bump on the field, they leave me little choice but to caution and fix the damage. If I see them starting to try to make a mark like this, intervention is my first choice, before they get into trouble. Woe unto he who tries this more than once in a game!!!