Question Number: 24534

Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/28/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

David Arrius of Seattle, Washington United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24524

Based on the strict application of the rule, it is advisable to coach kids who will take direct free kicks to go ahead and take a 'practice' shot to gain an advantage and gauge distance, and, depending on conditions (i.e. windy days) a real feel for how the ball will react in the weather condition? From a competitive standpoint, a caution is a minor penalty for gaining an advantage. I do not teach my kids to ignore referees directives, however, if the penalty is a 'do-over' and 'maybe' a yellow, why not take a practice shot?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Coach:
If the shot goes in and the player didn't wait for the whistle, they lose what would have been a goal. That makes this a poor strategy.

My experience is that few amateurs have the skills to repeat a kick to the same location or make the kind of adjustments you suggest. If your opponents have that much skill at 14, the defender's mistake was committing the foul in the danger zone. They probably are going to do pretty well on the first kick

But, the restart is always retake of the kick. Always.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi David
That does not happen so much in Europe where it has become a caution for the 'practise shot'. The player has clearly not heeded the instructions of the referee and that is a caution per advice from UEFA. Personally I believe the ATR is lenient on this one but that is a matter for USSF. As regards picking up a caution, should the player commit another offence even minor such as a tactical foul, delaying restart of play then the team may find itself playing short and then the referee is berated for applying the Law. Also an accumulation of cautions by a player will result in a suspension.
If as you say you do not teach young players to ignore the referee's instructions then why do you allow this to happen. Young players can be confused about advice that says to listen to the referee and then say that a caution is acceptable for ignoring a clear instruction??

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Well, if everyone is taking practice shots when the referee has told them to wait, there will be a lot of cautions perhaps 2 to one player. While you should be applauded for not teaching such tactics, I would remind you and all coaches if you verbally keep telling your players to disregard the referee's instructions you will probably be told to leave the field and it's environs for irresponsible behavior