Question Number: 23704

Law 13 - Free Kicks 7/25/2010

RE: adult

bill of Redding, CA United States asks...

In Advice to Referees RESTARTS WITHIN THE GOAL AREA, listed as 13.4 in the index. That location does not address THAT issue but rather is for QUICK FREE KICK (this is both 2007, and 2010 editions) can you clarify where it says that the ball should be brought out to the 6 yard goal area line. It says nothing about distance only 'goal line'

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bill
An indirect free kick awarded inside the goal area to the attacking team must be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.
A free kick awarded to the defending team in the goal area may be taken from any point inside the goal area.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Like LOTG Advice doesn't repeat what is taken to be universally known.

For years this information was found under Special Circumstances of Law 8. Now it is found in Law 13, Position Of A Free kick:

"an indirect free kick awarded inside the goal area must be taken on the
goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the
infringement occurred"


Of course, this appllies to the attacking team only. The defending team may take a free kick from anywhere inside the goal area