Question Number: 25541

Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/3/2011

RE: High School

William Giesse of Davenport, NY USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25498

Now how about this scenario...the team awarded the kick, quickly sets up and immediately fires the ball on goal and scores...Does the team being awarded the kick have any duty to WAIT until the defense is set os is this a legal offensive tactic?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi William
There is no onus on the team awarded the free kick to wait for the defending team to organise itself. The defending team has no rights in this matter.
The only exception to this is where the referee intervenes say to caution a player or the attacking team has requested 10 yards. In that case the free kick is on the referee's whistle when he is satisfied that play can restart.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

No. The defense has no right on a free kick (other than not to be mislead by something the referee says or does). There is no right to set a wall or get ready. The kicking team generally is entitled to take a quick free kick, and a referee usually will delay the kick only for injury, misconduct, or the rare need to stop play for match management.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi William. Let's be real clear on this. The team that committed the offense has the following rights: NONE, ZILCH,NADA!! (except not to be confused by the referee)

And why should they? They have already disadvantaged the opponents. Are we going to further disadvantage the team that was fouled by making them wait to take their free kick?