Question Number: 28925

Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/31/2014

RE: Youth Under 9

Joe of Bainbridge, Georgia Usa asks...

The ref told me that only 5 defenders are allowed in the wall to defend a direct kick. I've never heard that. true or false?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Joe
It is not part of the Laws of the Game. However as the question relates to Under 9 there can be a competition / house rule about free kick restarts. For instance in some of our competitions on small sided pitches the retreating distance is reduced to 6/7/8 yards depending on the age group and all free kicks are indirect? Slide tackling is an offence plus restrictions placed on punting the ball. You will not find any of these amendments in the laws of the game yet they are there to encourage skill development and enjoyment.
If the game is not small sided then using multiple players for defensive walls at under 9 is not in the spirit of the game nor enjoyable for small children. Young players would not do this normally and it is adult values being brought into what should be a fun exercise.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

With younger players, it is possible that the league has adopted a special house rule. Under the laws of the game, however, there is no restriction on how many defenders may be in the wall or where they must stand (other than that the defenders must be on the field of play and at least ten yards away from the ball) on a free kick.