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Question Number: 17039

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/2/2007

RE: Adult

stan hills of Cardiff, Wales asks...

Is it against the rules of soccer if a player laying or sitting on the ground plays the ball with his foot? Is this regarded as obstruction?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

"You can't play it on the ground" is one of the enduring Myths of the Game.

The only time this would be called is if it is Playing In A Dangerous Manner (PIADM). There are 3 elements: (1) a player in a position potentially dangerous to her or another player, (2) defender(s) nearby, and (3) who have to hold back from play lest they harm the player. For youth play we are more proactive in protecting the player on the ground, and use only the first 2 items.

While PIADM and "obstruction" (properly known as Impeding the Progress of an Opponent for the last decade) are both indirect free kick fouls, they are separate offenses.



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Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

There is no problem with kicking the ball while you're sitting, kneeling or laying on the ground. There never has been, it's always been allowed.

Otherwise, read Ref Voshol's response to understand why you sometimes see referees stopping play when a player kicks the ball while on the ground, even though its not for the reason you think.



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Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

There is no Law prohibiting this, only a myth perpetuated by those to busy to ask a question or read the Laws.

Regards,



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