A goal clearance is a method of restarting play. 

 

A goal may not be scored directly from a goal clearance. See ways of a goalkeeper scoring in Rule 10. 

 

The goal clearance is awarded when: 

·  conditions mentioned in Rule 9 apply to the ball or players at the goal line, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Rule 10. 

 

·  The ball is thrown from any point within the penalty area by the goalkeeper of the defending team using his hands; 

·  the goalkeeper does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player; 

·  the ball is in play when it leaves the goalkeeper's hands; 

·  once the goalkeeper has the ball in his hands, he has 5 (five) seconds to put the ball in play. 

 

Infringements/Sanctions: 

 

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the center of the halfway line if: 

·  the goalkeeper takes more than 5 (five) seconds to execute the goal clearance; 

·  the goalkeeper executes the goal clearance with his feet. 

 

In case a goal clearance is taken, the ball doesn't touch any player, and a goal is scored, the goal will not be valid, and a goal clearance will be awarded to the opposing team. 

 

If the ball touches any player before it goes in the goal, the goal will be valid. 

 

In case the goalkeeper scores an own goal of a goal clearance, the goal will not be valid, and a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.