Question Number: 24349

Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/21/2010

RE: Sunday League Adult

Jack of Essex, UK asks...

A team was awarded a free kick today, the ref obviously blows the whistle to stop the game, they then took that free kick and evidently scored, but the referee did not blow the whistle to restart the game so should this of counted? I know you are allowed quick free kicks but surely the whistle is needed to be blown to restart play?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jack
Unless the referee has 'intervened' to say caution a player, take control of setting the defensive wall, deal with an injury etc then there is no requirement for the referee to signal the restart with a whistle at any free kick. From what you have described the referee was correct and there is no need to use the whistle in this situation.

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Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

How can there be a quick free kick restart if the referee has to blow his whistle to restart play? That would confuse the heck out of all the players.

If the whistle is required, it is because play was stopped and either a misconduct card was given, which requires a whistle, or the team wished the referee to intervene and give them a full ten yards in all directions from the ball, so they could take the kick without defender interference.

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