What action results in a goal kick?

A goal kick is awarded when the ball goes out of play over the goal line, having last touched a player from the attacking team. This is a standard rule in soccer, where a goal kick is intended to restart play for the defending team after an attack from the opposing team fails to result in a goal. The defending team is given the opportunity to regain possession of the ball and strategically play it back into the field from within the goal area.

In the context provided, if the ball crosses the goal line due to an action of the defending team, it indicates that the attacking team has made an unsuccessful attempt to score, which justifies the awarding of a goal kick. This allows the defending team to restart the play from the six-yard box, providing a tactical opportunity for a goal clearance.

The other options refer to different situations in soccer. Intentionally kicking the ball out by the attacking team does not result in a goal kick; in such a case, the ball is simply out of play without a restart for the defending team. The ball going out over the sideline results in a throw-in, which is awarded to the opposing team. Lastly, if the ball touches the referee, it also does not result in a goal kick; rather, play