Question Number: 24540

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 1/30/2011

RE: Competive Adult

Jesse of New holland , Pa Usa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24524

Can whistle and 'play' be interpreted as the same for a required distance free kick?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Unfortunately, not any longer. A couple years ago IFAB introduced a section called 'Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees'. (This can be found online at fifa.com, but is not in the Laws booklet that is printed by USSF.) In the Guidance, there is a section called 'Use of the Whistle' which mandates a whistle to restart play at 'free kicks when the appropriate distance is required'. Previously, it said referees only had to signal.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

When the referee decides that the free kick will be a ceremonial restart (e.g., to set the wall, permit treatment of an injured player, substitution, etc.), the referee should indicate verbally and with a signal 'Wait for the Whistle.' A whistle is required for the restart.

The defense has no rights on a free kick, except not to be confused by something the referee says or does that makes them believe play will not restart without a whistle.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jesse
If the kick is on the whistle then it is on the whistle. Referees should use the whistle as set out in the ATR and the Laws of the Game.
My advice to referees is to never give advice on free kicks. If the ball is on the correct spot and the team want to 'play' then let them get on with it without any talk. Teams soon learn that free kicks can be taken without the whistle, when the referee does not have to intervene. When the referee intervenes say to enforce the correct distance then he must use the whistle to 'talk' and to tell every player that play can restart.
The ball is in play when it is kicked an moves not when the whistle sounds.