Question Number: 26109

Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/29/2012

RE: High School

Fred of Franklinton, NC US asks...

During a High School match, an attacking player was fouled (direct kick) about 1 or 2 yards outside the penalty area. The attacking team grabbed the ball, moved it approx. 1 yard inside the penalty area and
took a quick kick. The kick resulted in a goal. I raised my flag and called the referee to the sideline and explained that the foul took place outside the area, however the player placed the ball inside the area and took her shot. The goal was disallowed and a rekick was taken. Two questions... 1. Was my interpertation correct that the goal should be disallowed due to the placement of the ball? 2. Should the kick have been retaken, or should the a goal kick have been awarded to the defending team?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

You were correct in informing the referee that it was taken from the wrong area. For me, what makes your intervention necessary is that they moved it into the penalty area - as an AR if they just moved it a little I'd leave it for the ref to look after, but when it's moved into the penalty area, there's no way this kick can proceed.

As the kick was taken from the wrong spot, the ball has not been put into play, so a retake is the correct decision.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Fred
It was absolutely clear that the free kick was taken from the wrong spot. It cannot be taken inside the penalty area. If it was taken outside then 1 yard was not going to be seen or viewed as trifling.
As the free kick was taken from the wrong spot the rules dictate that the free kick is retaken from the correct spot.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The exact blade of grass usually does not matter, as long as the team doesn't move the ball to their advantage. Thus if a free kick is taken a yard or two away from where the foul happened, play is usually allowed to continue.

However, that changes when a line is crossed. Obviously a player couldn't take a free kick from outside the field for a foul that happened a foot inside the field. Nor can players take a free kick inside the penalty area for a foul that occurred outside the PA.

The free kick must be retaken.