What indication is there that a goal kick has been executed incorrectly in terms of player contact?

A goal kick is considered executed incorrectly if the kicker touches the ball twice on the initial kick. The Laws of the Game stipulate that once the ball is placed for a goal kick, it must be kicked cleanly to start play. If the same player makes contact with the ball a second time before it has been touched by another player or leaves the penalty area, it results in a free kick awarded to the opposing team. This rule ensures fairness and flow during the game, preventing players from gaining an unfair advantage by double kicking the ball.

The other choices relate to different scenarios. For instance, the ball not leaving the penalty area is a separate infraction, but it can be rectified by redoing the goal kick. If another player touches the ball first before it has been put into play properly, that would also necessitate a retake, though it does not directly indicate an incorrect execution by the kicker. Similarly, a goal kick that lands outside the field does raise issues but does not inherently imply a fault in player contact by the kicker. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for officiating and ensuring proper adherence to the laws governing the game.