Question Number: 16475

Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/29/2007

RE: Adult

adam sutcu of melbourne, vic australia asks...

My question is,when the attacking team has a indirect free kick outside the penalty area,when can the defensive team break from the (wall) meaning 5or6 players standing 10 metres from where the ball is,as soon as i blow the whistle or do they not break from the wall at all,while the ball is being kicked forward.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Players opposing a free kick must remain at least 10 yards from the ball (unless they are standing on their own goal line inbeteen the goal posts) until the ball has been properly put into play (kicked in any direction using a distinct kicking motion.) Once the ball is in play the "wall" may charge the ball or do run into any position they want to fairly obtain.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

As soon as the ball is kicked and moves. If the defending teacm comes within 10 yds of the b all before that, it is a rekick and a possible caution.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Note that the requirement for defenders to remain 10 yards/9.15 meters away from the ball is the same for any free kick - direct or indirect. In order for the kick to be "free" i.e. free from defensive interference, then the defenders need to be the required distance away at the time the ball is kicked - not when you blow your whistle. I suspect some defender may have argued the point with you but as you can see, if it is only 10 yds. when you blow your whistle, it may be only 5 yds. or less by the time the ball is kicked. Hardly fair for the team against whom the offense was committed which caused the kick in the first place - and by allowing the defenders to encroach or have time to set up a wall, the referee compounds the injury to the kicking team. Defenders have NO right to set a wall.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Once the referee establishes where he believes at least 9,15 meters from the ball is players must not move closer than that distance until the ball is kicked and moved. If their movement closer has affect on the taking of a "free kick" then deal with their encroachment in the harshest manner possible under the Law. The is the only way to get through a thick skull to a brain, should one be present...

According to Law 13, the kick is retaken.

Regards,