In the changes to the Laws of the Game agreed at this month’s IFAB AGM. were two surprising tweaks for the penalty kick.
There have however been several changes to penalty kicks over the last few years. Many, although favourable for the goalkeeper, have been important so let me look at a few of those changes before revealing the new ones to come into operation next season.
Although the goalkeeper has to remain with both feet on the goal line facing the kicker, until the ball has been kicked, the Law now allows the goalkeeper to take a step forward when the ball is kicked but must have at least, part of one foot touching, in line with, or behind, the goal line.
Some changes were an addition to penalty laws. If for example the goalkeeper commits an offence, say coming off the goal line and saves the ball, the kick is still retaken.
But an added clause says, if the kicker misses the goal or the ball rebounds off the goal posts or cross bar, the kick is not retaken unless the goalkeeper’s offence clearly impacts on the kicker.
Another important point is that if illegally saving the kick was the goalkeepers first offence, it should result in a warning and not a caution (YC) as previously.
Warning is not a word used before in the Laws except for club officials. If it happens again, the goalkeeper should receive a yellow card.
Another change which tends to favour the goalkeeper, is if the goalkeeper and kicker both commit an offence at the same time, an indirect free kick is awarded to the goalkeepers team.
One of next year’s changes is about the penalty mark. The shape and size have never been defined but is normally circular, with the centre 12 yards from the goal line.
Most referees have insisted the ball being placed in the middle of the mark. The Law now says it can be placed overhanging the centre of the mark, no matter how big it may be.
The other change is regarding outfield players encroaching into the penalty area before the kick is taken.
This has always meant a retake of the penalty. I have witnessed five retakes for one goal. From June this year this will not be enforced unless the encroaching has any impact on the outcome.
This will be useful especially for local level referees who have the task of watching the goalkeeper, the kicker and for any player encroachment, all at the same time.
By Dick Sawdon Smith
