Question Number: 27705

Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/30/2013

RE: competive Adult

Keith of Ennis, Clare Ireland asks...

Looking to clear up an incident which happened in a local match I was involved in. A free kick was given and a ball placed back on the spot where it happened. Does a referee after blowing the whistle to indicate a foul have to blow it again for the game to continue?

Cost my team a place in a final

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The referee only needs to blow the whistle to restart play if the 10-yard distance must be enforced. If the kicking team elects to start quickly while the opponents are still within 10 yards, that is their right.

The referee would also need to whistle a restart after misconduct (showing cards), injuries or substitutions.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

On a free kick, a whistle is required to start play when a card has been shown or a substitution allowed. The referee always has the power to require a whistle before the restart. Referees usually will do so when the referee needs (a) to show a card or warn a player; (b) to allow a substitution; (c) to deal with an injury; (e) when the kicking team indicates (by word or deed) that it wants the referee to enforce the ten yard distance; or (f) the referee realizes that a mistake has occurred (e.g., pointing the wrong way on the free kick).

It is not the norm, however, for most free kicks. A team generally has the right to take a quick free kick.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Keith
There are times when a whistle is required to restart the game. As per the Laws (Page 82) a whistle is required to
# restart play for:
? free kicks when the appropriate distance is required
? penalty kicks
# restart play after it has been stopped due to:
? the issue of a yellow or red card for misconduct
? injury
? substitution
There will be times as well when a quick free kick will be brought back which includes the ball moving, the kick is taken from the wrong location and any other reason that can interfere with the subsequent play such as outside interference. Once the referee steps in to enforce the required distance the kick may not be taken until signalled by the referee.