Question Number: 3247

League Specific

RE: referee inspector/coach

john smith of newcastle, NSW australia asks...

Dear Sir, I am in the process of compiling a referees course for people who want to become referees and I would like to know all the reasons a referee would award a Direct Free Kick

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I'm not familiar with Australian governing bodies but there should be someone down under that is in charge of referee certification programs..A direct free kick is awarded for the following offenses:..If, in the opinion of the referee, the following 6 actions are performed in a careless or reckless manner, or with excecessive force .trips or attempts to trip an opponent.kicks or attempts to kick an opponent.strikes or attempts to strike an opponent.pushes an opponent.charges an opponent.jumps at an opponent..The following 4 actions are punished by a direct free kick no matter how they are performed.spitting at an opponent.deliberately handling the ball (except for the keeper in his own penalty area).holds an opponent.tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball and makes contact with the opponent before he touches the ball..Remember, all fouls must be against OPPONENTS or in the case of deliberately handling against the opposing team..Also, referees should be careful to not call actions that may be considered trifling.

Answer provided by Referee Stacy Kalstrom

I suggest that you read the FIFA Law Book. It clearly states the reasons for giving a direct and indirect free kick. Once you have read the information you may have questions that we can be better suited to answer...Thanks for visiting our site. I hope we can help out in the future.