Referee
- Signals stoppage of play (whistle only if necessary) if ball crosses Referee's side of the goal line.
- Points to the goal line
- Takes a position down the field near where the ball is likely to be played (based on skill of players and observation of prior goal kicks)
- Estimates location of drop point by observing player behavior (does not look up and watch the ball in the air)
Click on this picture for a video about goal kick mechanics
Assistant Referee
- Points flag horizontally out towards goal area if ball crosses AR's side of the goal line or if Referee makes eye contact to ask for assistance
- If ball goes completely out of play and immediately returns to the field, signals with a vertical flag until acknowledged by the Referee, then points flag horizontally out towards goal area
- Moves to top of goal area to check for proper placement of ball
- If the goalkeeper is taking the goal kick, moves to a position to judge offside
- If a defender other than the goalkeeper is taking the goal-kick, stays with the second to last defender
- Moves to top of penalty area, when needed, to verify that no one touches the ball before it leaves the penalty area and that no attacker re-enters into the penalty area before the ball is in play
- Prepared to adjust position if team changes goal kick tactics (e.g., kicking the ball off to the side of the penalty area)
