Question Number: 25179

Law 13 - Free Kicks 7/6/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Stephen McNeill of Kentville, Nova Scotia Canada asks...

During the taking of an IFK, can a player of the attacking team place his foot on top of the ball and hold it there until giving it a slight movement just before his teammate running up strikes the ball, thus giving the opposition no chance to move forward at all?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Stephen
There is nothing wrong with a player putting his foot on top of the ball at a restart. However the ball must be kicked and moved for the ball to be in play. If the movement is undetectable then the ball is not in play. The referee is the sole judge of that.
I might point out that feinting is allowed at a free kick so there is nothing wrong with a player pretending to kick the ball to a team mate with a feint kick at an IDFK . The defending team cannot move forward until the ball is kicked so the chances of defenders moving forward legally, if done correctly in that situation, is very limited also.
Another example would be where a player with his foot on top of the ball withdraws it and then heels the ball into play. Nothing wrong with that either.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Stephen,

This is certainly permitted - however there's a risk with utilising such a slight movement to put the ball in play. It's always possible that the referee will miss the touch.

Also, I know some referees who believe that 'touched and moves' mean that the ball must roll. I would argue that a wobble is sufficient, but something to be aware of nonetheless.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The official interpretation of USSF is that touched and moved means the ball has visibly gone from one position to another, from here to there. Using the sole of the foot to effect this movement is considered a kick.

You would have to check if Canada has a similar interpretation.