| A penalty kick is a dramatic moment in an association | | | | 9. Holding an opponent |
| football game, since it usually results in a goal for the | | | | 10. Handling the ball deliberately (except for the |
| team that is awarded the penalty kick. A penalty kick | | | | goalkeeper in his own penalty area) |
| is exclusive in that certain criteria must be satisfied | | | | In cases where "an opponent" is specified, this is critical |
| simultaneously for the referee to award a penalty kick. | | | | because sometimes players commit offences against |
| According to Law 14 - The Penalty Kick - "A penalty | | | | their teammates within their own penalty area. |
| kick is awarded against a team that commits one of | | | | Referees should not award the opponent a direct FK |
| ten offences for which a direct free kick is awarded, | | | | in such cases, but an indirect FK. |
| inside its own penalty area and while the ball is in play." | | | | == Must occur inside the penalty area == |
| This definition has three critical components, which | | | | Also known as the 18-yard box, this is a rectangle |
| constitute the criteria: | | | | whose area is 44 yards by 18 yards. The penalty area |
| * It must be an offence punishable by a direct free | | | | does not include the penalty arc, since that arc is only |
| kick | | | | there to measure 10 yards from the penalty mark |
| * The offence must occur inside the offending team's | | | | during the taking of a penalty kick. A foul that occurs |
| penalty area | | | | outside the area results in a free kick. However, if a |
| * The offence must occur while the ball is in play | | | | player holds an opponent outside the area and the |
| == Punishable by a direct free kick == | | | | holding continues inside it, the referee should award a |
| This is an important distinction, because a team can be | | | | penalty kick. |
| awarded an indirect free kick in their opponent's | | | | == Must occur while the ball is in play == |
| penalty area. The ten offences punishable by a direct | | | | This means that the ball must be on the field and the |
| free kick are listed as follows: | | | | referee has not stopped play. For instance, if a |
| 1. Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent | | | | defender commits an offence punishable by a direct |
| 2. Striking or attempting to strike an opponent | | | | free kick against an attacker in his own penalty area, |
| 3. Pushing an opponent | | | | the attacker's team is awarded a penalty kick |
| 4. Tackling an opponent | | | | irrespective of the position of the ball, once it is in play. |
| 5. Charging an opponent | | | | If the ball is out of play and the same thing occurs, that |
| 6. Jumping at an opponent | | | | would be treated as misconduct and the restart of |
| 7. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent | | | | play would be according the previous decision of the |
| 8. Spitting at an opponent | | | | referee (throw in/ corner kick/ free kick etc.). |