Slightly random question, but I had reason to clarify something in law after last weekend's match. I noticed that an attacker was standing very close to the edge of the box as a goal kick was being prepared, perhaps on the line. I wondered whether 'must remain outside the area' includes or excludes the line in that scenario. So too with the penalty procedure: I don't know about other referees, but I have never physically checked that the players aren't touching the line of the D.
On the other hand, and I admit this is a less likely interpretation, would this only be an offence if the whole of the player were over the whole of the line (cf. front foot on the throw-in and determining a goal)?
On a related note, if you felt a goalkeeper and defender were colluding to force retakes of goal kicks (three times, say), should you caution for unsporting behaviour or delaying the restart? And is there any logic to why the goal kick is not encompassed in law by the caution for failing to respect the required distance? I can only assume it's because there's a difference between specific spatial dimensions on the field of play and random yardage. But clarification would be appreciated, as I often confuse the categories regardless.
Thanks
On the other hand, and I admit this is a less likely interpretation, would this only be an offence if the whole of the player were over the whole of the line (cf. front foot on the throw-in and determining a goal)?
On a related note, if you felt a goalkeeper and defender were colluding to force retakes of goal kicks (three times, say), should you caution for unsporting behaviour or delaying the restart? And is there any logic to why the goal kick is not encompassed in law by the caution for failing to respect the required distance? I can only assume it's because there's a difference between specific spatial dimensions on the field of play and random yardage. But clarification would be appreciated, as I often confuse the categories regardless.
Thanks