Question Number: 19810

Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/24/2008

RE: Competitive Adult

Rick Czechowski of San Diego, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 19765

I fully agree with the analysis of the panel with regards to this question of what constitutes a 'first touch' on an IFK. Also, you are right that the 'word' is not getting out there about this issue and I have been in discussions with referees senior to me (I am a Grade 7) who say that I shouldn't read the section in the USSF Advice to Referees 'literally' and that a hard 'tap' on the ball is a sufficient first touch. (Incidentally, the fact that in U.S. High School soccer, which does not follow the LOTG, such a tap IS considered a valid first touch on an IFK, causes additional confusion among players, coaches and refs.) Now, let's take this discussion one step further...since the defending team will assume that the tap/step on the ball IS a valid first touch, they will likely charge the ball and kicker(s) en masse after this tap. Naturally, the next time the ball is kicked (the REAL first touch, according the the ATR), if the ball goes into a defender who is clearly now closer than 10 yards away, should the referee either (1) award a yellow card for failure to provide the required distance on a free kick or (2) do nothing, believing that the wall would not have moved without that first tap on the top...what say you all???

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Firstly, when we agreed to what ATR 13.5 would look like it was intended to be taken at face value and independent thinking was not authorized. Of course some referees are going to be bull headed and use their own interpretation regardless of what policy is but the assessment program should weed those out. That handles the 'senior referees' who don't have a clue.

Incidentally Rule 13, Section 3 Article 2 of NFHS Soccer Rules tells us 'The ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground at the spot specified by the official. To be in play, the ball shall be moved in any direction.' Any direction must not include downward because the ball is sitting on the ground [grass] and is held there by gravity. In their meaning of any direction I'm quite sure they mean one of the sixty four hundred mils on the compass or upward with one or both feet. Essentially what they mean is kicked and moved...

Lastly, there is no need to caution players who fall prey to the old 'tapped and wiggled' or 'shaken and quivered' ploy. Simply whistle things to a stop and mention the little party trick failed to put the ball into play because it was not moved someplace else so they are failing to respect the required distance. Mention next time there will be a caution [and do it]. Now to the folks with the free kick -- just say kicked and moved gents, stomping the thing to China ain't gonna cut it today.

More lastly, in the event you allow the tapped and wiggled thingy make sure that next time there is a tap and wiggle that the person doing it is pulled up for a second touch if he does so. Of course, you'll keep in mind the spirit of the match and what is said in the last three paragraphs of ATR 13.5.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

ATR requires no interpretation. The statement that it souldn't be taken literlly is idiotic. What other parts should be left open to interpretation? ATR specifically so everyone, even Grade 6 and higher referees, would understand, outlaws tapping the ball on the top as constituting movement. What part of "simply tapping the top of the ball with the foot or stepping on the ball are not sufficient" is open to interpretation?