Question Number: 28510

Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/16/2014

RE: Rec Under 19

Mike of Boston, MA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 28490

As a follow up to question 28490, when can a defensive player who is less than 10 yards from a quickly and weakly taken free kick play the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
Once the ball is kicked and put into play an opponent may play the ball. If say the ball goes 5 yards an opponent may come forward from his position to play the ball.
Also on a quick free kick an opponent closer than 10 yards may intercept the ball once he does not advance towards the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Mike,

Once the quick free kick is taken, the attackers are accepting the risk if a defender is closer than 10 yards.

The moment the ball is put into play, those defenders can challenge the ball.

For me, the difference is when they start moving for the ball. If they start moving before the kick, it's a caution. If it's the moment after, that's acceptable - and once the ball is kicked that defender can move in any direction to challenge.

Though I'd be less accepting if, say, the defender deliberately ran into the 10 yard radius to hold up the kick then stopped.