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A goal kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football.

[edit] Award

A goal kick is awarded to the defending team when the ball leaves the field of play by crossing the goal line (either on the ground or in the air) without a goal having been scored, having been last touched by an attacking player.

[edit] Infringements

Opposing players must retire the required distance as stated above. Failure to do so may constitute misconduct and be punished by a caution (yellow card). Furthermore, if an opposing player enters the penalty area before the ball is in play, the goal kick may be retaken subject to Law 5.

If a defending player other than the kicker touches the ball after it is kicked but before it is in play (i.e. if the whole of the ball has not left the penalty area), the goal kick is retaken. However, it is an offence for the kicker to touch the ball a second time once the ball is in play (i.e. when it has left the penalty area), until it has been touched by another player; this is punishable by an indirect free kick to the defending team from where the offence occurred, unless the second touch was also a more serious handling offence, in which case it is punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick, as appropriate.