Question Number: 21643

Law 13 - Free Kicks 7/13/2009

RE: Tier 1 Under 17

Keith of Halifax, NS Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 21627

So this rule applies to both goal kicks AND free kick? A kick awarded because of a foul. The ball must leave the defending 18 yard box before being touched? We just had a ref allow it and then after half disallow a second kick done that way (I think one of the linesman talked to him at half).

Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Keith any DEFENDING free kick or goal kick that occurs inside their 18 yard penalty area must leave the area boundries into the field of play to be considered in play. The opposition must withdraw the manditory ten yards or even further as they must also be outside the penalty area when the defending free kick occurs. Referees are no different than players, the application of effort to increase skills is required by all!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. Many believe that it is only a goal kick that must leave the penalty area before the ball is in play. In fact, Law 13 requires it for all free kicks for the defense inside their penalty area.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This has got to be one of the least understood (or least remembered) portions of the Laws. It confounds me because the wording in Law 13 is exactly the same as in Law 16, but so many think it only applies to goal kicks. I got some grief for it in 2 or 3 consecutive games last season - 'But ref, it's not a goal kick.' After one of the games, my AR told me, 'I learned something today.'

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

It's clearly found in Law 13 and EVERY referee should know this:

Position of Free Kick
Free Kick Inside the Penalty Area
Direct or indirect free kick to the defending team:
? all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball
? all opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play
? the ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area
? a free kick awarded in the goal area may be taken from any point inside
that area