Question Number: 30441

Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/21/2016

RE: Select Under 15

andy singer of lexington, ma USA asks...

It seems very common for players, during an indirect kick, to basically use a method to turn it into (effectively) a direct kick.
The first player runs up and touches it and the second player then blasts the direct kick.
Is there any rule against this?
Rules specify the ball is in play 'when kicked and moved' so I think as long as the ball moves it is in play and this is legal. Is this correct?
Something seems wrong with this as it completely undermines the intention of the indirect kick, namely that you have to kick it to another player before you can score a goal.
Thank you!

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Andy,

There's nothing wrong with this. The LOTG state the ball is in play once it is kicked and moves. So if you see the ball move, the first touch puts it in play. If the ball doesn't move (which sometimes happen), then it's actually the 'shot' is the first touch, thus if it enters the goal without touching anybody it's a goal kick.

I disagree that it undermines the intention of the indirect kick. For one, this tactic means that a player must stand next to the ball rather than make their presence felt in the Penalty Area (or be effective elsewhere on the field). Second, the defenders can start moving the moment the ball is put into play. They may have gained a couple of yards in this time - and it's not unusual for this to have an impact upon the kick. The movement of the ball could also impact how well the second player strikes the ball, thus the strike is likely to have a little less control than a normal direct free kick.

Also, it means that a quick kick taken by a single player cannot be kicked directly into an open goal to catch the defence off guard, whereas a direct free kick can.

While the players doing this technique are minimising the difference between a direct and an indirect kick, they're not completely eliminating them.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Andy
At one time the ball had to move a full revolution to be put into play. That all changed in 1997 when kicked and moves was introduced. So at an IDFK once the ball is kicked and moves it is in play and a shot can then be taken. So it is of no concern to the referee once the ball is put into play at an IDFK what happens next. The defending team has the right as soon as the ball is kicked to charge the ball down by coming forward which many do so there is some element of rectitude in the short kick to put the ball in play.