Question Number: 14445

Mechanics 11/15/2006

RE: rec

chester miller of FARMINGTON, nm usa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14420

The advice that the ref can require the players to retire 15 yards on a free kick is a novel interpretation to me. The minimum in the Law means that the players can be anywhere on the field so long as they are farther from the ball than 10 yards. Claiming the power to require 15 yards is clearly overreaching, in my opinion. I do not think an assessor would approve. Is there any authority for this position? Regards.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If I assessed the referee, I probably would not notice the extra 5 yards. One can argue from both point of views here and no one is right or wrong. Afterall, the referee can always say...I thought that was 10 yds.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The same referee usually fails to caution a player failing to respect the required distance in every instance. The first time I'm forced to set a defensive wall It is 12-13 yards and everyone in the wall knows if I'm forced to set one again its going to be 15-20 yards from the ball. They carp and say it should be at 10 yards and then is when they learn the Law states "at least 10 yards". I don't set walls too often, if at all, afterwards. Good management tool.

If the assessor doesn't like it, too bad. The referee has lots more important things to do than constantly move defenders to where the Law requires them to be. If the players do it on their own life is just loads better. Try it Chester, you'll like it.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Free Kick Outside the Penalty Area
all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play.

Indirect free kick to the attacking team:
all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play, unless they are on their own goal line between the goalposts.

In law it only says a minimum of ten yards . I pace off ten at 1.5 yards steps we are 15 yards away and the next stoppage players scramble to get back to at LEAST ten. A player can not dissent you in the open field as to where you decide to place a wall. On a Pk the lines are predrawn and you are correct it would be a hard sell to say you guys encroach too much so everyone take 5 steps back off the 18 yard line and penalty arc. This management tool is one that you use to prevent the need to caution for the failure to respect the ten or delay the restart. Cheers