Question Number: 26685

Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/26/2012

RE: High School

Mark of Branson, MO USA asks...

Red team is taking a free kick and make at least 3 fakes or stepovers before tapping the ball a few feet to the left and then their shot was caught by keeper. During all the fakes one of the players from the wall takes one or two steps forward (and I think clearly in response to the fakes of playing the ball). The red coach has a yelling session about encroachment - mostly ignored by refs.
What is the correct call for fakes that lead to wall movement and possibly encroachment? Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes, that would be failure to respect the 10-yard distance. Opponents are required to be 10 yards from the ball until it is put into play.

However, it sounds like any offense was trifling - it had no effect on the play.

Of course the red coach wants a retry. Pay no attention to that man behind the touchline. His opinion doesn't count.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

One or two steps forward? Sounds trifling. I'm guessing the red coach teaches this move to try and milk a card.

I don't like it, but a step over doesn't justify encroachment (it's up to the defensive team to exercise restraint). So if the offence was more serious, then tough luck, it's a caution. The referee doesn't have much choice.

But when we're looking at a small amount, I think we can definitely consider the 'trifling' clause and not make an issue out of it.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

1. The defending team is not entitled to move closer than 10 yards until the ball is kicked. The kicking team is allowed to feint.

2. It is likely that the infringement is trifling where the ball does not make contact with the (moving) wall. Most referees will look to see if the movement affected play.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
At a free kick the defending team may not encroach closer than 10 yards until the ball is kicked and moves. Feinting to take a free kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of soccer which includes step overs.
Now the on field part. One step forward by a defender would be deemed to be trifling particularly when the shot has cleared the player and saved by the goalkeeper.
It should also be pointed out that yelling by the coach at the referee is unacceptable behaviour which should be sanctioned. The referee decided to ignore it.