Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded when a direct free kick offence is committed by a defending player inside their own penalty area. The kick is taken from the penalty spot with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The full rule

A penalty is awarded for any offence that would normally result in a direct free kick — such as a foul, handball, or push — but committed inside the penalty area by a defending player. The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the ball is kicked. Teammates and opponents must remain outside the penalty area and arc until the ball is in play. If the goalkeeper moves off the line early and the penalty is missed, it is retaken. If an outfield defender encroaches and the penalty is missed, it is also retaken.

Key points

✓Only direct free kick offences inside the area result in a penalty
✓Goalkeeper must stay on the line until the ball is kicked
✓Encroachment by either team can lead to a retake
✓The kicker cannot touch the ball again until another player has
✓Offences in the area during a penalty shootout follow the same rules

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Goalkeeper moves early and penalty is saved

No goal

The goalkeeper steps off the line before the kick is taken and saves the penalty.

Correct call: Retake. The goalkeeper moved early. If the penalty had gone in, the goal would have stood.

Common mistake: Allowing the save to stand. Goalkeepers routinely move early and referees must enforce this rule consistently.

Scenario 2

Foul outside the area but player falls inside

No penalty

A defender makes contact with an attacker just outside the penalty area. The attacker's momentum carries them and they fall inside the box.

Correct call: Direct free kick outside the area, not a penalty. The location of the offence is what matters, not where the player falls.

Common mistake: Awarding a penalty because the player went down inside the box.

Scenario 3

Defender encroaches and penalty is scored

Goal

A defender steps inside the penalty area before the kick and the penalty is scored.

Correct call: Goal stands. Encroachment only leads to a retake if the kick is missed or hits the post.

Common mistake: Ordering a retake even though the goal was scored. The goal is always given if it goes in despite encroachment.

Investigate a penalty kick call

Walk through the exact referee logic step by step

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