Question Number: 28048

Law 13 - Free Kicks 12/7/2013

RE: Rec Under 13

SAID ZENNIA of LORTON, VA US asks...

Can an indirect kick inside the penalty area be called against the defense for a dangerous play?
If yes, in which instance?
Thanks in advance,

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Said,

An Indirect free kick can be awarded anywhere on the pitch, for the attack or the defence.

The only thing to keep in mind is that if it's awarded to the attacking team inside the opponent's goal area they need to bring it to the edge of the goal area, and if it's for the defending team inside their own goal area they can take it anywhere inside the goal area (like a goal kick).

'Playing in a dangerous manner' can cover a range of possible actions. The most common is when a foot is high and close to an opponent in a way that prevents them safely playing the ball, or when a sliding challenge is made with raised studs in a dangerous manner.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Said
Yes an indirect free kick can be awarded inside the penalty area from the location of the offence. The most common offences would be
1. The goalkeeper touches the ball with his hand inside the penalty area when the ball has been deliberately kicked to him by a team mate
2. Playing in a dangerous manner where the player say raises his boot high closes to a player's head inside the penalty area. If there is contact the offence then becomes a kick punished by a penalty kick.
Other possibilities include impeding the progress of an opponent and verbally distracting an opponent which is a cautionable offence with the restart being an IDFK.
When the IDFK is awarded the defending team must be 10 yards away from the ball and/or standing on the goalline.
If the IDFK offence is committed in the goal area the IDFK is taken from the 6 yard line directly opposite from where the offence took place. Defenders must retreat to the goal line or be 10 yards away to the side and rear of the ball.