Question Number: 23817

Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/23/2010

RE: Under 12

jim of Fairless Hills, Pa USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 22682

Is there any requirement that the ball be 'touched' (with his hand, etc.) by the player taking a quick free kick before it is put into play? I thought as long as the ball is in the correct location and the ball is stationary, that a QFK can be taken. I tell my players to whisper to the Referee that they are going to take a QFK so that the Ref is not tricked, but we had one official recently tell us the ball must be 'touched' by the player before he can proceed.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the ball is placed correctly and is stationary, the player may take a free kick, unless the referee has indicated that he must wait for a whistle.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Silly inventive referee.

Law 13 does not require that the kicker does not have to touch the ball with her hand.

The ball must be stationary on a free kick and one lawful way to stop a moving ball is to touch it (with hand or foot). But, the referee confused cause and effect.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Oh, heavens, another inventive referee! The requirement is that the ball be stationary - there is no direction or requirement on how to make the ball stationary before the free kick is taken. One wonders where these referees get their ideas?

At any rate, do everyone, including the referee, a favor and call or write the assignor for that game and tell him what you told us. Ask him or her to please visit with the referee and correct their misconception about how the ball is to become stationary.