Question Number: 25888

Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/14/2012

RE: Rec, high school High School

John of Hattiesburg, MS USA asks...

When the defense has a free kick within their own penalty area, must the ball exit the penalty area before being touched by another player or being 'in play'?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
Yes the ball must leave the penalty area on any kicked restart by the defending team for the ball to be put into play. It cannot be touched by another player until it has left the penalty area. That includes both goal kicks and free kicks.
If it is touched by either team the kick is retaken.

Read other questions answered by Referee Joe McHugh

View Referee Joe McHugh profile

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes, the ball must leave the penalty area before it is in play. No other player can touch it until it is in play. If it doesn't go out, or if someone touches it before it is out, the free kick is retaken.

This is one of the least known parts of the Laws of the Game. It is strange, since most people know that a goal kick must leave the penalty area before it is in play. But Law 13 on Free Kicks has the exact same wording as Law 16 for goal kicks.

Read other questions answered by Referee Gary Voshol

View Referee Gary Voshol profile

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

This is also true for a goal kick

Read other questions answered by Referee Keith Contarino

View Referee Keith Contarino profile

Ask a Follow Up Question to Q# 25888
Read other Q & A regarding Law 13 - Free Kicks

Soccer Referee Extras: Did you Ask the Ref? Find your answer here.

Enter Question Number

If you received a response regarding a submitted question enter your question number above to find the answer

Offside Question?
Offside Explained by Chuck Fleischer & Richard Dawson, Former & Current Editor of AskTheRef

<>
This web site and the answers to these questions are not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The free opinions expressed on this site should not be considered official interpretations of the Laws of the Game and are merely opinions of AskTheRef and our panel members. If you need an official ruling you should contact your state or local representative through your club or league. On AskTheRef your questions are answered by a panel of licensed referees. See Meet The Ref for details about our panel members. While there is no charge for asking the questions, donation to maintain the site are welcomed! <>