Question Number: 25481

Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/23/2011

RE: Adult

Marco of maarssen, Nederland asks...

In the Law of the games, rule 13, stands:
a ball is in the game when it's kicked and moved. But is the free kick ball in the game when it's first played with the head? There are some recent movies on internet, for example: http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1017/Buitenlands-voetbal/article/detail/2446781/2011/06/19/Bizar-Chinees-neemt-vrije-trap-met-zijn-hoofd.dhtml

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The action posted in the video is not a valid method of putting the ball into play. The restart should be retaken properly. The player might be cautioned for unsporting behavior for bringing the game into disrepute.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

As you say, the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.

That makes it very clear. If it wasn't kicked, it wasn't put into play.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Marco
You have correctly quoted Law 13. A ball can only be put into play legally at a free kick by a player kicking the ball. The player in this situation should have been cautioned for unsporting behaviour and the kick is retaken.
Another likely scenario is where a player on a defensive free kick believes that if he heads the ball back to the GK in this manner that it can then be picked up by the keeper. That also is an illegal start with the player cautioned and the free retaken properly.
Even if this happens by accident the free kick must be retaken and without the need for a caution.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The ball is in play, as you quote, when it is kicked and moved. Kick must be with the foot.