When is the ball considered in play after a goal kick?

The ball is considered in play after a goal kick once it leaves the penalty area. This means that the kick must travel outside the designated area marked at the top of the penalty box for the game to resume. The rule is designed to ensure that the opposing team has the opportunity to react once the ball is back in play.

While other choices involve moments during the game that could indicate a change in play, they do not reflect the specific rule governing goal kicks. The referee’s whistle marks the start or restart of play in general but does not apply specifically to the goal kick scenario. Similarly, the ball needs to leave the penalty area to officially be in play rather than just being touched by another player or crossing the goal line.