What action constitutes a corner kick?

A corner kick is awarded specifically when the ball goes over the goal line (but not into the goal) as a result of being last touched by a defender. This rule is in place to provide an opportunity for the attacking team to create a scoring chance from a position that is advantageous. When the ball crosses the goal line in this manner, it signifies that the attacking team retains possession and is allowed to restart play from the corner area nearest to where the ball crossed the line.

The other scenarios described do not fulfill the criteria for awarding a corner kick. For instance, if the ball is kicked over the sideline, it results in a throw-in for the opposing team, not a corner kick. If the ball is saved by the goalkeeper, play continues, and the defending team may have a goal kick if the ball subsequently crosses the goal line. Lastly, if the ball is out of play for more than 30 seconds, it would not automatically lead to a corner kick; various circumstances dictate how play resumes based on which team last touched the ball. Understanding these rules is crucial for officiating the game accurately.