Question Number: 14140

Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/15/2006

RE: U-6, U-8 and U-10 Rec and Select Under 11

Ken Huckaby of , Mo USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 12777

Until today I have only ever had referees allow defenders in the box at the U-6 age. In the response to the original question [12777] you say that defensive players are allowed in the box. Is there anywhere where it actually says they are or are not allowed in the box?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

No defenders can stand where they want.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Ken, Law 13 establishes this fact:

Quote

Free Kick Inside the Penalty Area Direct or indirect free kick to the defending team:

all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball.

all opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.

the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area.

a free kick awarded in the goal area is taken from any point inside that area.

End Quote

Please note this only speaks of those players opposing the free kick so, by exception, team mates of the kicker are not prohibited from being any place on the field they wish to be.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Law 13 and Law 16 both clearly state that the OPPONENTS must remain outside the penalty area. The entire defending team may be inside the penalty area but are not allowed to touch the ball until the ball is outside the penalty area.