What infractions occur if a player obstructs the goalkeeper during a goal kick?

When a player obstructs the goalkeeper during a goal kick, it is considered unsporting behavior. This is because such actions violate the spirit of fair play by preventing the goalkeeper from performing their duty effectively. A caution for unsporting behavior is appropriate in this situation as it addresses the player's conduct on the field, emphasizing that players must respect the opposing team's goalkeeper, particularly during a set piece like a goal kick.

The other options don’t apply in this context. No infraction occurs would suggest that the player's action is acceptable, which contradicts the standards of acceptable play. Awarding a penalty kick is reserved for fouls occurring within the penalty area of the defending team, which is not applicable during a goal kick. A direct free kick is not awarded in this scenario either, as it typically applies to fouls committed outside the penalty area, and a goalkeeper obstructed during a goal kick warrants a caution instead.