Soccer Rules Practice Exam

When is a goal kick awarded in soccer?

1. When a player touches the ball with their hands inside the penalty area

2. When the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline

3. When the offensive team kicks the ball over the end line

4. When an offside position is called

The correct answer is: When the offensive team kicks the ball over the end line

A goal kick is awarded specifically when the offensive team kicks the ball over the end line, and it is last touched by a player from the attacking side. This occurs when the ball goes out of play over the goal line, but not into the goal. A goal kick allows the defending team to restart play and is taken from within their goal area, providing an opportunity for a goal-scoring attempt to be foiled by the defense. The other scenarios presented do not pertain to the awarding of a goal kick; they describe different situations. A handball inside the penalty area leads to a penalty kick, going out of bounds on the sideline results in a throw-in, and an offside call stops play but does not involve a goal kick. Understanding these nuances is key to grasping the rules of soccer and the specific situations that lead to a goal kick versus other methods of restart.