Question Number: 23402

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/1/2010

RE: High School

Bill James of Madison, IN USA asks...

My daughter recently called me from a U10 game my granddaughter was playing in with a question about an indirect kick. My granddaughter took the kick which hit the goalkeeper and went in the goal; a goal was awarded. Several parents from the opposing team claimed that it was not a goal because it needed to be played or touch by a second player on the same team. I told her that it only needed to make contact with a second player on ether team; at least for over 27 years that is the way I have always called a indirect free kick. This prompted me to do some research and believe or not I have found the indirect free kick stated both ways; needs to touch a player on either team or needs to touch a player on the same team taking the kick for a goal to be scored. I know the USSF and High School Laws/Rules state that it only needs to touch a second player on either team. Your thoughts?

Thanks for your help in what I have always considered a no-brainer,
Bill James

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

It is a no-brainer! The LOTG are very clear, and you are correct. They state 'A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another PLAYER before it enters the goal.' (emphasis added)

The Indirect Free Kick
Signal
The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head. He maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player or goes out of play.
Ball Enters the Goal
A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal:
? if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents' goal, a goal kick is awarded
? if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team

A player is anyone who is a member of a team who is playing on the field, listed on the roster and not a substitute. That includes all members of both teams who are currently playing on the field.

Those who think it must be a player on the same team believe in myths. Most goalkeepers know not to touch an IDFK headed into their goal, because it would result in a goal against their team. That fact alone should debunk any such myth.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Hopefully none of the sources you found that claimed the ball had to be touched by a player of the same team were official sources. Because it just ain't so!

There is a lot of misinformation out there, things that people think but haven't confirmed. It gets repeated, and thus a myth is born.