What happens if a ball goes out of play for a goal kick?

When a ball goes out of play for a goal kick, the team that did not touch the ball last is awarded the goal kick. This scenario typically occurs when the attacking team plays the ball over the goal line without scoring, and it is crucial as it restarts the game. The goal kick is taken from within the goal area, allowing the defending team to regain possession and get the match underway again.

The options related to a corner kick or a throw-in do not apply in this case, as those restarts happen under different circumstances, such as the ball going out of play over the sideline or if the defending team last touched the ball before it crossed the goal line. Pausing the game indefinitely would also not occur; the goal kick serves to resume play shortly after the ball is out of bounds. Understanding the function and process of a goal kick is essential for referees to correctly manage the game's flow and ensure fairness.