Question Number: 31832

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/27/2017

RE: Adult

Nkuna H of Polokwane, RSA asks...

1.How do you determine the number of players to constitute a wall in defence of a free kick.

2. How do you determine the yards/ meters where the wall should be during a free kick?

3.how to you determine whether it's a direct or indirect free kick?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Nkuna
1. The number in a defensive wall is a tactical decision for the teams. It is of no concern to the referee. Generally on one close to the penalty area the goalkeeper may decide based on distance of the free kick from goal and the angle of any possible shot. It can be anything from one up to 5/6 players.
2. The wall must be 10 yards / 9.15 metres from the ball and the referee may pace it out. He can also estimate it by judgement.
3. Law 12 lists the free kicks that are direct and those that are indirect. Generally there are only three common indirect free kick offences in attacking position which are playing in a dangerous manner with no contact, impeding which again has no contact and offences committed by a goalkeeper such as handling a back pass, throw in from a team mate etc. Most other offences are direct feee kicks.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

1. You (assuming you're speaking as a referee) don't. The players do.

2. Good estimation skills. And using helpful markings on the field to assist - for example, the center circle is 10 yards radius, so you know what 10 yards is if you're near the center of the field.

3. By the nature of the offense, as described in Law 12.