Question Number: 22456

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 11/7/2009

RE: rec Under 7

Jeff Weitkamp of Wentzville, MO usa asks...

on an indirect free kick, does the ball have to go one full revolution before the second person can touch it and count as a goal?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The full rotation concept dissappeared a while back! Kicked and discernably moved in the opinion of the referee.
It is debated as to what constitues a kick but a foot placed on the ball to squeeze it then take that foot away does not (in my opinion only), qualify nor does a foot drag where the ball is rolled with the sole of the foot in CONSTANT contact and the ball does not move once the foot is taken away! If the ball continues to move that is fine!
A referee must be able to clearly discern the ball is kicked into play not being farted around with or repositioned !
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Coach Weitkamp
The law states that when a ball is kicked and moves that it is in play. The requirement for the ball to roll one revolution no longer exist. The important part is that the referee is aware that the ball has been kicked and it moved.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

USSF interprets a 'kick' as a traditional striking of the ball with the foot, or using the sole of the foot to drag the ball. Either way, the ball must move some discernable distance 'from here to there' to be in play. Simply tapping it so it wiggles does not count.