Question Number: 27601

Law 13 - Free Kicks 7/15/2013

Larry of Danville, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 27598

Ok, you are right and I am wrong. When USSF describes the movement of a defender during a free kick and uses the phase 'moves toward the ball', they actually mean move forward to the spot of the foul. I found this USSF link http://refereeinstructiononline.com/custpage.php?cid=73 that provides a 22 minute video on managing free kicks that is pretty good.

At the 7:10 mark, there is an example of a defender 4 yards from the spot of the foul who lounges forward (interfering) that results in a caution.

At 9:50, there is a similar example, but the ball is kicked to the side of the defender who moves laterally and intercepts it. There is no infringement.

Thanks for making me do my homework.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Larry
Glad to be of assistance. As I said previously there is no difference between USSF ATR advice and the LotG and I would be happy with the advice given in the video.
The only comment I would make is the referee has to interpret the subtle understanding of the movements in 8.55 & 10.00. There is movement and it can look like they are forward. These videos are contrived and in real match situations it can prove to be difficult in the QFK situations. Okay the easy ones will be like 8.31 yet there will be plenty which will not be as easy to call.
I also believe context is important. If a team messes up with a QFK that has gone wrong it has to accept that. There will also be the ones where the kicker deliberately kicks the ball at an opponent to draw the caution. Sometimes when there is doubt referees may simply go with a retake only and then make it ceremonial.
Personally I think the more common and bigger challenge is preventing the opponents delaying the restart of play by placing the forward in front of the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Thanks for the link.