Question Number: 24469

Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/9/2011

RE: AYSO Rec Under 14

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

A 2007 position paper by USSF states that a defender less than 10 yards from a quick free quick should be cautioned for sticking out their foot to block the shot. Such an act is considered moving towards the ball, and interfering with the kick.

Just to clarify, I would think that if the defender had jumped up to block the shot (as opposed to sticking out a foot), they should also be cautioned. To me, jumping up to block a shot also counts as moving toward the ball.

Is this correct? I only ask because a room full of refs disagreed with me during a recent class that I took.

Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. An attacker may take a quick free kick even though a defender may be less than ten yards away. If the defender does nothing to interfere with the kick then he will not be punished. But he must not jump, rush, or kick the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
You are indeed correct. The action as you describe is also moving towards the ball and it can also be punished. However if an opponent who is less 10 yds from the ball intercepts the QFK without moving toward it, the referee must allow play to continue.
The referee is the sole judge in these situations of how the opponent got there and what were his intentions. Was it to prevent the free kick from being taken by moving towards it or was it simply intercepted?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I'm sorry to see that a room full of referees thinks it ok for an opponent less than 10 yards from the taking of a free kick to interfere with the kick in ANY fashion. You are correct in your interpretation

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