Question Number: 26925

Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/21/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 26910

I have a follow-up question to something Referee Dennis Wickham said.

If I understand this correctly, on a corner kick:

1) A defender may position herself wherever she wants (on the field & at least 10 yards from the ball) before the kick.

2) If jostling between players occurs, you (as referee) can verbally warn players.

3) After the kick, the defender can move toward the ball, whether or not it affects the GK, but can't just move to impede the GK.

It's the last part that I'm a little unsure of, since Ref Wickham said that she commits a foul if she adjusts her position to the flight of the ball.

Am I correct that the defender can move to play the ball, even if it blocks the GK, but can't move to prevent the GK movement or line of sight?

Thanks in advance,

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The attacker who is standing in front of the keeper on a corner kick (outdoors) and on any free kick (indoors) can move to play the ball.

But, what often happens is that the attacker's job is keep moving to block the keeper as the ball is in the air. The ball is no where near the player. The attacker usually isn't even looking at the ball, but at the keeper. That dance is an impeding foul.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
There is a world of difference between moving to the ball to play it and simply moving to impede an opponent including the goalkeeper. That will be plainly obvious to the referee as the impeding player will show little or no interest in the ball and his focus will be on the opponent's movement solely.
Also blocking line of sight is not an offence and the referee should only look for impeding or Law 12 offences such as holding. Impeding as you know means moving into the path of the opponent to obstruct, block, slow down or force a change of direction by an opponent when the ball is not within playing distance of either player. Once there is contact that is then seen as holding.
The only offence involving line of sight in the game is in Law 11 offside where the player in an offside position interferes with an opponent.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

An opponent may move to play the ball. He may not move merely to block the progress of the opponent.
Likewise, there's a big difference between standing in a place and moving to stand in that place.