Question Number: 14631

Law 13 - Free Kicks 12/23/2006

RE: Select, Competitive Adult

Michael McCarthy of Huntington, WV USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14620

With regards to the requirement that a ball is in play on a free kick once it has been kicked and moves -- as compared merely to being stepped on as the initial "kick" -- what would you do to the opponent who charges in on the ball once it has been stepped on but not kicked? Would you caution her/him for failing to respect the distance? What if s/he won possession of the ball between the initial step and before the subsequent kick (not uncommon in youth games with poor communication between the two players of the kicking team)?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

No, just rekick the ball. OR think the ruse didn't work and allow play to continue because the attack thought it was in play and they won't say anything. You can sell either decision but are only correct on one...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Good question! Probably just tell the defenders to get back and rekick the ball as Mr. Fleischer said.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

I answered question #14627 with a lean to that view. If the attackers thought it in play and the defender thought it in play who am I to argue it was not? If I truly wish to make a point that it must be kicked not a tap of the foot I whistle play dead and tell eveyone that ONE time what my expectations as a match condition are! retake Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Since there has been so much discuaaion about "tapping" the ball as a "kicked amd moved" it's reasonable for a defender to think this qualifies so no caution. I'd make them reatake it.