Question Number: 20793

Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/2/2009

RE: Select Under 13

Aaron of Clayton, Ca USA asks...

My question is regarding an indirect free kick. I played soccer at a high level and coached High School approx. 15 years ago and just got back into coaching my children. From what I remember, on a indirect free kick, the first offensive player touching the ball must make the ball roll a 'full rotation' prior to the second player touching the ball...ex. set play just outside box where 1st player touches to 2nd player who shoots the ball. Am I remembering the rule correctly? Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You are remembering the rule correctly, if you are remembering the 12-year-old rule. It was changed in the 1997-98 Laws to 'kicked and moves'.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You are. However, it was changed in 1997 to 'kicked and moved'. Since that time, what constitutes 'kicked and moved' has changed. Until a few years ago, a simple tap on the top of the ball with the bottom of the foot would suffice. Now that no longer is true. In 2007 it was not considered to be kicked and moved if the foot dragged the ball from one spot to another. In 2008, USSF made a complete 180 and now allow that. You would be wise to go to the ussoccer web site and purchase the most current Advice To referees On The Laws Of The Game for all current USSF interpretations and also download the complete 2008-2009 LOTG which includes the FIFA Interpretations section

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

While the full rotation of the circumference is no longer part of the equation I still believe the ball MUST be discernibly kicked and moved as in the foot is applied to the ball and the ball continues to roll/or clearly move after the foot comes away.
Cheers