Question Number: 14554

Law 1- The Field 12/5/2006

RE: AYSO (U-14) Under 15

Chelsea Hunt of Allegan, Michigan United States asks...

Why can you not touch the corner flag in a game?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You can. You just can't hold or bend it while taking a corner kick. Since you may place the ball anywhere on or within the corner arc, there's no reason to bend the flag

Read other questions answered by Referee Keith Contarino

View Referee Keith Contarino profile

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

It is permitted to return the corner flagpost to an upright position too. The whole idea is a corner flagpost is part of the field and is something to play around unless improperly positioned. Some referees come all unpuckered when you touch the flagpost so on their matches adjust what you do. Other referees will allow the flagpost to be put right but not used as a handle or a weapon! Yup, you read that right, I have seen a player smack his opponent with the flagpost. Needless to say I got to know him really fast and he didn't do it again, at least in my match...

Regards,

Read other questions answered by Referee Chuck Fleischer

View Referee Chuck Fleischer profile

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The flag cannot be moved during a corner kick. Players can touch it during play on accident. Obviously they cannot flick it and use it as a weapon.

Read other questions answered by Referee Ben Mueller

View Referee Ben Mueller profile

Ask a Follow Up Question to Q# 14554
Read other Q & A regarding Law 1- The Field

Soccer Referee Extras: Did you Ask the Ref? Find your answer here.

Enter Question Number

If you received a response regarding a submitted question enter your question number above to find the answer

Offside Question?
Offside Explained by Chuck Fleischer & Richard Dawson, Former & Current Editor of AskTheRef

<>
This web site and the answers to these questions are not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The free opinions expressed on this site should not be considered official interpretations of the Laws of the Game and are merely opinions of AskTheRef and our panel members. If you need an official ruling you should contact your state or local representative through your club or league. On AskTheRef your questions are answered by a panel of licensed referees. See Meet The Ref for details about our panel members. While there is no charge for asking the questions, donation to maintain the site are welcomed! <>