Question Number: 23981

Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/20/2010

RE: Intramural sports Under 13

Randy Lonto of Berrien Springs , Michigan U.S.A. asks...

Team A awarded indirect free kick just outside team B's penalty box. Player AA starts the ball and player AB (teammate) kicks the ball into the goal. Before the IDFK is started, team B defenders enter the 10 yard circle too early. Ref's whistle blows just prior to player AB's score. Should the goal stand or should the ball be rekicked?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

A goal cannot be scored if the referee stops play before the ball has completely crossed the goal line.

While the referee's objective was noble - - to enforce the requirement that there be 10 yards on a free kick, the better option for a referee is to wait a second to see what happens.

Read other questions answered by Referee Dennis Wickham

View Referee Dennis Wickham profile

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Randy
When the referee signalled for the game to stop then no goal can be scored even though the reason was for encroachment at a free kick by the defending team.
The referee should have waited to see if in fact the encroachment made any difference to the play.

Read other questions answered by Referee Joe McHugh

View Referee Joe McHugh profile

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The ref's whistle announced he had stopped play. Therefore the goal does not count and the kick is retaken. He probably should have waited a second or so and see what happened before stopping play

Read other questions answered by Referee Keith Contarino

View Referee Keith Contarino profile

Ask a Follow Up Question to Q# 23981
Read other Q & A regarding Law 13 - Free Kicks

Soccer Referee Extras: Did you Ask the Ref? Find your answer here.

Enter Question Number

If you received a response regarding a submitted question enter your question number above to find the answer

Offside Question?
Offside Explained by Chuck Fleischer & Richard Dawson, Former & Current Editor of AskTheRef

<>
This web site and the answers to these questions are not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The free opinions expressed on this site should not be considered official interpretations of the Laws of the Game and are merely opinions of AskTheRef and our panel members. If you need an official ruling you should contact your state or local representative through your club or league. On AskTheRef your questions are answered by a panel of licensed referees. See Meet The Ref for details about our panel members. While there is no charge for asking the questions, donation to maintain the site are welcomed! <>