Question Number: 15359

Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/2/2007

RE: Rec. Under 11

Abby Morse of Byron Center, MI U.S.A asks...

Some might think this is silly, but I don't know if the kick is a indirect kick, or a direct kick. I know the ref. has hand signals that tell you but I could never get it straight.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Well Abby it isn't as silly as you might think. The signal for indirect is for the referee to point in the direction the free kick is taken then hold am arm vertically until the ball touches another player. The signal for a direct free kick is to point in the direction of the free kick. Sounds simple enough, sure! Sometimes do forget to raise the arm and signal indirect BUT that doesn't change anything, it still needs another touch before a goal may be scored. Sometimes a referee will blow for deliberate handling, see it is in the penalty area and give an indirect free kick signal, saw that three times in one match and the referee was a State 1!!!

You have every right to be confused.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Abby,
the only silly question is one unasked. As a player it is important to tacticaly understand the difference between restarts to properly defend or set up the attack. Ref Fleischer clearly sets out the standard one can only hope the referee's signal matches the correct call. An arm straight up signals the free kick is an INDFK that arm remains up until a second touch by any other player other than the kicker makes contact with that ball.

If a referee errors by not sticking the arm up or has the arm up and it should not be he creates issues.


LAW 13 FIFA Q&A 6. An indirect free kick is awarded to the attacking team outside the opponents? penalty area. The referee fails to raise his arm to indicate that the kick is indirect and the ball is kicked directly into the goal.
What action does the referee take?
He has the free kick retaken because of the referee?s mistake. The
initial indirect free kick, is not nullified by the referee?s mistake.

LAW 13 FIFA Q&A 7. A player takes a quick free kick and the ball goes into goal. The referee has not had the opportunity to indicate that the free kick was indirect.
What action should the referee take?
Order the kick to be retaken as the original offence only merited an
indirect free kick but the referee did not have the opportunity to give
the recognised signal.
Cheers