Goal Kick Procedure

[CMHCoachNRef]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

When the ball has been placed on the ground (in a legal position) in preparation for a goal kick, is it permissible for a player pick up the ball and reposition it to another spot prior to taking the kick?

(Remember, I'm a soccer rookie).

As far as I can tell, all of the restrictions on the goal kick occur after the ball is in play...which occurs when the ball leaves the penalty area.

It seems it should be legal.

However, I've had someone insist that it is not legal once the ball is positioned....claiming it fell under time wasting. Is that true?

Cameron,
First of all, welcome to the "outside" ;-)

While Eastshire's point on this matter can be accurate, you have not given any related information that would allow me to answer the question completely.

First question: Can a player reposition the ball when taking a free kick (i.e. Goal Kick, corner kick or other DFK or IFK, etc.) during the run of play?

First answer: Yes, a player can reposition the ball -- soccer is not golf, in this regard.

Second question: WHY is the player repositioning the ball for the kick?
Second Answer A: Because the ball has rolled into a hole or divot on the field.
Ruling: Legal, at any time.

Second Answer B.: Because the wind has changed direction.
Ruling: Legal, with a caveat.

Second Answer C.: Because the player sees teammates who have moved to the other side of the field.
Ruling: Legal, with a caveat.

Second Answer D.: Because the player's team is ahead (or tied against a better team) and the player is trying to shorten the game.
Ruling: Illegal -- warning by mouth alone and then by formal caution and then by second formal caution for subsequent violations. Comments you have heard address this situation.

Caveat: Is the player moving the ball for the purpose of slowing the game down? If yes, then follow responses in Second Answer D.

NET: There is nothing inherently illegal about moving a ball with the hands once a it has been initially placed for a free kick (penalty kicks have a more formal setting to them, but save a PK or KFTM, any free kick). As a referee, you must be cognizant -- especially in NFHS land where you do not have the ability to simply add time on to the end of the game/match -- as to the likely reason for the ball movement and take action accordingly.