Question Number: 25043

Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/1/2011

RE: Adult

Dave of DM, ia U.S. asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25018

This situation has always left me somewhat unsure but I think your answers and the ATR may have helped clear it up for me.
I had always thought that an opponent closer then 10yds (if attacker chooses QK) could not make any sort play for the ball.
But now I see that the defender CAN try to actively intercept it as long as he/she doesn't charge closer to the kicker, but can move side to side. Is this correct?
From the ATR:
'However, they may not thereafter claim infringement of the distance requirement if the ball is kicked to an infringing opponent who is able to control the ball without moving toward it.

Also, in reference to the original question, would DOGSO even be a consideration since it occurs before the ball is in play (and not punishable by FK or PK)?
What if a player other then keeper charged the kicker and batted down the ball with the hand when attacker takes a Quick FK (prventing GSO)?
Would it still be a restart of the original FK since the encrochment occurred before ball was in play?
This makes me think...
Would it be possible for a defender to run up and bat down a free kick with the hand (DOGSO situation) and ONLY be cautioned, but....
If that same defender did the same thing while respecting the 10yds, COULD be sent off for DOGSO?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dave
There will be situations where the ball is intercepted on a QFK and that will involve the player playing the ball which includes side to side movement but not a charge to the ball. That is entirely legal.
As regards DOGSO on a QFK that will not be a option on the scenario desribed and indeed it would only be an option if for some strange reason that the say the GK was not present and the referee believed that the action of the play denied an obvious goal or goal scoring opportunity. An obvious goal or goal scoring opportunity would be need to be clearly present which would indeed be a very rare event on a QFK with multiple defenders present to meet the 4D conditions.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the quick kick goes directly to the opponent that is within 10 yards, there is no offense.

If the opponent moves toward the ball - either before or just after the kick, so it could be slightly side-to-side - then there is an infraction.

Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity simply because of moving to the quick free kick would be unlikely. However, if the opponent used his hand to knock the ball down when moving to intercept the kick, we have two offenses - not respecting the distance and deliberate handling. As handling is the more serious offense, that is what the referee will call - and include any DOGSO that might be present because of that handling.