Question Number: 17133

Law 1- The Field 10/6/2007

RE: select Under 13

cornelius edwards of tacoma , washington use asks...

can the player taking a corner kick remove the corner flag if it is in the way?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

No, a player cannot touch or move the corner flag. If for some reason the flag is in a disaray the referee should have it attended to by the field or grounds people and put right. Under extreme weather conditions a refere could allow another team mate to hold the post errect . As in all things safety is a must ! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Nope, removing the corner flag is not allowed, and to do so may result in a caution for unsporting behavior. A player may return a bent or leaning flag to its upright position, but they may not bend or lean it out of the way or remove it ever. If the flag is an issue and cannot be fixed, it is up to the referee team to decide what to do about it, not the player.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If the corner is on my side and in the player's way I'll trot over and fix it, If I am the assistant and the flag on my side is askew I fix that too! Why can't we just correct a problem instead of getting all wound around the axle. The field is our responsibility once we accept it's condition and start the match. Players should not have to unscrew what we're too lazy to correct.

No the player can't make the change UNLESS the flag is where it shouldn't be and it is moved to a straight up condition. Of course there is always the use the other foot ploy, the flag will be a long way away then -- ever think of that???

Regards,