Question Number: 20126

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/1/2008

RE: Club/High School Under 15

Dave of South Lake Tahoe, CA USA asks...

There is a deliberate kick back to the keeper, who handles the ball in his/her own penalty area. This is an illegal handling, resulting in an IDK from the point of the infraction (or possibly the edge of the goal area). But its a rare call and generally the teams (both offense and defense) are confused about what to do (Ive made/seen the call at the AYSO, club, high school and club tournament levels). Perhaps they mistakenly anticipate a penalty kick, but everybody sort of freezes. So this is a foul Ill announce, something like "Deliberate pass back, illegal touch, indirect kick Blue.", and Ill indicate the spot of the infringement/restart and give the IDK signal. Still, the teams hesitate.
What are the panels suggested mechanics to let/help play continue consistent with a) the attacking teams right to proceed with a free kick, while b) avoiding the referee distracting either or both teams with any additional instructions (e.g., ball to be placed at the edge of the goal area, the wall can line up on the goal line)? At what point would you stop play and proceed with a ceremonial restart?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Under 15's should be able to figure this out for themselves. If they don't know what an indirect free kick is, their coaching has been severely deficient.

At younger ages - U10, maybe U12, depends on game level - you might give your short explanation of the call. But I'd use words like, 'Deliberately kicked to the goalkeeper who handled it - indirect for Blue.' You can't tell them how to take the kick. If they mill about and don't take it quickly (which is likely) you can step in to make it ceremonial - but don't do that automatically. You might just have found the one well-coached U10 team that wants to take the quick kick to catch their opponents offguard, and score a goal.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I agree. U 15s should know this. At young levels of play I go over this infraction during my pregame and explain what happens and what each team may do