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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 25310

Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/15/2011

RE: Select Under 14

John of Sheboygan, WI USA asks...

On defense, Can I stand next to the player taking the free kick? or do i have to be 10 yards away in all directions?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Ten yards away in all directions...always. And if the kick is coming from inside the defender's penalty area, the opponents must in addition be completely outside of the penalty area and stay there until the whole ball has left the PA. Allowing an opponent to stand next to the player taking the free kick has a chilling effect on where and when they can move, which removes the FREE part from the kick.






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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Ten yards in all directions. From Law 13: 'all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball'



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