Question Number: 27621

Law 13 - Free Kicks 7/26/2013

RE: REC Adult

Brian of Grand Prairie, TX USA asks...

I play GK indoor. A handball occurred just outside the side of the penalty box. I was always told that in indoor soccer the penalty box was my domain. Since the penalty occurred 2 feet outside the box the ref still made me get back 15 feet. I did not think this was correct. Could you confirm for the ref please or show me where I can make a case in future occurrences.

Thank You

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

On a free kick restart under most indoor rules, everyone (including the goal keeper) must be five yards from the ball in every direction. There is one exception: anyone (including the goal keeper) may be on the goal line, between the goal posts, even if the distance is less than five yards.

The penalty area designates the area where the goalkeeper may handle the ball, and (for indoor) where the goalkeeper may slide. It does not indicate where the keeper may stand for restarts after a foul (such as penalty kicks, shoot outs, or free kicks).

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Brian
Most indoor soccer including Futsal has a five yard / metres rule from the ball on all free kicks for all opponents including the goalkeeper. The GK is the same as any other defender. In Fustal all IDFKs inside the penalty area to the attacking team are moved out to the penalty area line.
So in your case the referee was entirely correct to move all defending players back 5 yards from the ball. If the penalty area is 5 yards or less the players just have to retreat to the goal line.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Brian,

While many indoor centres apply their own rules and not the Futsal laws of the game, assuming the law here is consistent with the Futsal laws of the game, the requirement to be 5 yards back from the free kick is what takes priority here.

So a free kick just outside the penalty area means you still need to be 5 yards back until the kick is taken.

Otherwise, how would it be fair in any sense if you're allowed to stand on the edge of the penalty area at a free kick taken a foot outside? It wouldn't work at all - and the purpose of a free kick is to return the advantage to the attack. Thus, the requirement to stand back at a free kick takes precedence.