Question Number: 8714

Law 13 - Free Kicks 12/13/2004

RE: Adult

Philip Booth of Chippenham, England asks...

Does a player need to ask the referee when he wants to take a quick direct free kick

Answer provided by Referee Morley 12/13/2004

He may ask the referee or the referee may ask the player if he wishes to take a quick free kick..I assume you are talking in relation to the recent Arsenal v Chelsea match when Graham Poll allowed Henry to take a quick free kick which resulted in Arsenal's second goal. The referee has to indicate the re-start of play, in this case he clearly asked Henry, pointed to the goal and said "on you go". Gudjonson clearly heard this and can be seen shouting to Czech in goal to get across. Therefore the referee had re-started play and the goal should stand. Had Henry asked for the wall to be 10 yards away then he would have had to wait until the referee paced out the 10 yards, took up his position and then re-started play by the use of his whistle..It is the perogative of the side that is awarded the free kick as to whether they wish to take a free kick quickly or not and as long as the referee re-starts play, either by use of his voice or whistle then they make take it as soon as they wish.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino 12/13/2004

No. In fact, the referee should get out of the way as quickly as possible to allow a quick free kick

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer 12/15/2004

Once a side is awarded a free kick they may proceede when the ball is stopped on the floor. ..Regards,