When does a goal kick put the ball in play?

A goal kick puts the ball in play when it is kicked beyond the penalty area. This means that for the goal kick to be valid, the ball must leave the penalty area entirely, allowing play to continue. This rule ensures that both teams have the opportunity to compete for possession of the ball in a fair manner, as it creates a clear boundary where the opposing team cannot interfere until the ball is in play.

Other options present scenarios that do not fulfill the requirement for the ball to be considered in play. For instance, a goal kick is not influenced by the action of teammates touching the ball, nor does it require a signal from the referee, as the procedure is inherently understood per the Laws of the Game. The ball must completely exit the penalty area before being considered in play, rather than simply passing the goal line, which pertains more to the circumstances under which the kick itself is awarded.