Question Number: 30659

Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/10/2016

RE: High School

Ron of Decatur, Illinois USA asks...

Team A is awarded an IFK on the goal area line.
Team B sends 5 players to the goal line to stand
Beside the GK and set up a wall. Is this allowed since they are only 6 yards from the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Ron,

Defenders are allowed to stand on the goal line between the goalposts. This is the only exception to the 10 yard rule.
Law 13, Position of free kick: 'All opponents must be 10 yards from the ball until it is in play, unless they are on their own line between the goalposts.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ron
NFHS Rules state that players opposing the kicker shall be at least 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked, unless they are standing on their own goal line between the goal posts.
If a player is stood outside the goal posts he / she must be 10 yards from the ball in all directions.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Ron,

NFHS Rule 13-3-1 covers your question. It states: 'Players opposing the kicker shall be at least 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked unless they are standing on their own goal line between the goal posts.' The penalty for not being 10 yards or on the goal line states: An official shall caution a player who fails to move the required distance away from the ball or engages in time-wasting tactics such as kicking or carrying the ball away after a free kick has been awarded to the opponents' team.' I hope that you have a successful fall high school season.