Penalty Kick Encroachment: Referee Guide

Dealing with Encroachment During Penalty Kicks: A Referee's Guide

Key Takeaways:

* Understand the specific rules regarding encroachment by both attackers and defenders during penalty kicks (Law 14).

* Know the procedures for retaking or awarding indirect free kicks based on who encroached and the outcome of the penalty.

* Prioritize clear communication and preventative measures to minimize encroachment.

Encroachment during a penalty kick can create confusion if not handled correctly. As a referee, your job is to ensure fair play and adherence to the Laws of the Game (Law 14). This guide will help you understand the rules regarding encroachment and how to manage different scenarios effectively.

Understanding Encroachment in Law 14

Law 14 clearly outlines the requirements for players during a penalty kick. Specifically, it states the positions players (other than the kicker and goalkeeper) must take:

* "The players other than the kicker and the defending team’s goalkeeper must be:

* at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the penalty mark

* behind the penalty mark

* inside the field of play

* outside the penalty area"

Encroachment occurs when a player does not adhere to these requirements before the ball is in play (i.e., kicked and moves forward).

Goalkeeper Considerations

The goalkeeper also has restrictions on their movement. According to Law 14, the goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, between the goalposts, facing the kicker, without touching the goalposts, crossbar, or goal net, until the ball is kicked. While movement along the line is permitted, moving forward off the line before the ball is kicked is a violation and can result in a retake if the penalty is missed. We will deal with goalkeeper infringements in a separate guide.

Procedures for Handling Encroachment

The correct procedure depends on who encroaches (attacking or defending team) and the outcome of the penalty kick.

Attacking Team Encroachment

* Scenario 1: Attacker encroaches and the penalty is scored. The penalty kick is retaken.

* Scenario 2: Attacker encroaches and the penalty is missed (or saved). The defending team is awarded an indirect free kick from the spot where the encroachment occurred.

Defending Team Encroachment

* Scenario 1: Defender encroaches and the penalty is scored. The goal stands.

* Scenario 2: Defender encroaches and the penalty is missed (or saved). The penalty kick is retaken.

Encroachment by Both Teams

If players from both teams encroach, and the penalty is missed or saved, the penalty kick is retaken.

Practical Examples

* Example 1: During a penalty kick, a forward from the attacking team is standing inside the penalty area before the ball is kicked. The penalty is scored. The referee must disallow the goal and order a retake.

* Example 2: During a penalty kick, a defender from the defending team is standing inside the penalty area before the ball is kicked. The penalty is missed. The referee must order a retake.

* Example 3: A player from the attacking team and a player from the defending team are both inside the penalty area before the ball is kicked. The penalty is saved by the goalkeeper. The referee must order a retake.

Preventative Measures and Referee Positioning

Prevention is always better than cure. As a referee, you can take steps to minimize encroachment.

Pre-Kick Instructions

Before the penalty kick is taken, ensure all players are in the correct positions. Clearly instruct players to remain outside the penalty area and at least 10 yards from the penalty mark. A simple verbal reminder can often be effective.

Strategic Positioning

Your positioning is crucial. Position yourself so you can clearly see both the kicker and the players around the penalty area. This allows you to quickly identify and address any encroachment.

Clear Communication

Use clear and decisive signals when indicating a retake due to encroachment. This helps players understand why the retake is necessary and minimizes potential arguments.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Referees sometimes make mistakes when dealing with encroachment. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:

Hesitation

Hesitation can lead to confusion and frustration. Be decisive in your decision-making. If you see encroachment, immediately signal for a retake or award an indirect free kick as appropriate.

Inconsistent Application

Apply the Laws of the Game consistently. If you penalize encroachment in one instance, you must do so in similar situations. Inconsistency can undermine your authority and lead to disputes.

Ignoring Minor Infringements

While it's important to be vigilant, avoid being overly pedantic. Focus on infringements that clearly affect the outcome of the penalty kick. A player whose toe is just over the line, but does not gain an advantage, may not warrant intervention.

Additional Considerations for Assistant Referees

Assistant Referees (ARs) play a crucial role in identifying encroachment during penalty kicks, especially when the incident occurs outside the referee's primary field of vision. The AR should focus on the line of players to ensure they are behind the ball and at least 10 yards away. If encroachment occurs, the AR should raise their flag to alert the referee. Clear communication between the referee and AR is essential for accurate decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if the goalkeeper moves off their line early and saves the penalty?

If the goalkeeper comes off their line before the ball is kicked and saves the penalty, the penalty kick must be retaken, regardless of whether the encroachment affected the save. This is a separate infringement from player encroachment but is equally important to enforce.

Can a player be cautioned for encroachment?

While encroachment itself is not a cautionable offense, a player can be cautioned for unsporting behavior if they deliberately and repeatedly encroach to gain an unfair advantage. Additionally, dissent or arguing with the referee about the decision can also result in a caution.

What happens if the ball rebounds off the goalkeeper or goalpost and an encroaching player scores?

If a player encroaches and the ball rebounds off the goalkeeper or goalpost, and the encroaching player then scores, the goal is disallowed. The appropriate action depends on who encroached. If an attacker encroached, an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team. If a defender encroached, the penalty kick is retaken.

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