Question Number: 30405

Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/11/2016

RE: rec Under 11

Craig J Malits of Lower Burrell, PA United States asks...

Where does IFK go from when team heads ball from defensive position near goal, inside the 6-yard box in the US. Play was whistled dead and IFK from 6-yard line was taken. Is this correct? My daughter was an AR during the game, on the opposite end.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Absent any specific rules of the competition, the ball would be moved out to the 6 yard line for the free kick.

As I recall, AYSO's implementation of no-heading is that the kick will be taken at the edge of the penalty area, not the goal area.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Craig,

I can provide the answer for all typical 'laws of the game' offences - my more local colleagues will be able to advise on this US-specific ruling.
When the attacking team has a free kick for an offence inside the opponent's Goal Area (GA), the free kick is moved to the edge of the GA (the line running parallel to the goal line). defenders can position themselves on the goal line - but they must be fully on the goal line (ie not the rear foot on the line and lunging forwards).

If it's a free kick for the defenders, they can take it anywhere inside the GA like it was a goal kick.

This is the standard approach under the laws of the game - some small sided youth games have modifications on this.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Craig
The Laws of the Game state that an indirect free kick awarded inside the goal area must be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. That is USSFs position on the location of the no heading IDFK
So on the goal area line (six yards) is the correct location with all players placed on the goal line or 10 yards from the ball.
Now there could be a local competition rule including small sided games that is different and that should be checked with local organisers. In the absence of a local rule the IDFK is on the goal area line.

Just a personal thought here. The IDFK on the goal area line is a very rare restart . I recall only one in the past 6/7 years in my games. The heading rule changes that somewhat. Now the restart can be fraught with difficulty with players in close proximity, players charging the ball , ball getting shot at close range with force etc. That is adding risk in an Underage game. If it is not ultra competitive perhaps a Fair Play restart by the opponents might be considered particularly on a * I forgot* moment by the heading player. Yes the players need to be prevented from heading crosses, shots, punts in line with the rule etc yet a ball that is bouncing up and around the goal area is of little risk being headed compared to a shot from an IDFK in the head / face from close range on the goal line.