Question Number: 17044

Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/2/2007

RE: Rec Under 15

Mike of New Hyde Park, New York US asks...

Must the team taking a free kick request that the defending team stand back 10 yards or is it automatic? (From reading LOTG I don't see where it must be requested)

If it is impeeded upon without the referee directing the defending team to be back 10 yards does it remain an offense? (Again, in LOTG it says that it is an infringement if the opponent is closer than the required distance, it does not stipulate that the opponent need be directed to give the distance)

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Mike, as a parent you seem to be ahead of about half the referees in knowledge of free kicks. You should become certified and join us out there.

No, the kicking team shouldn't have to ask for 10. The opponents should begin backing away from the ball immediately after the foul is called.

If a player takes a free kick quickly, before the opponents have a chance to retreat 10 yards, it is not the opponents' fault it the ball is kicked directly to them. But if they make any move toward the ball - even sticking out a leg to kick it - the free kick must be retaken.

If a few more refs would issue a few more cautions to opponents who don't respect the 10 yard distance, we'd see this unfair tactic go away quickly.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Mike, Firstly, I want to commend you for going to the LOTG and discerning for yourself what is and is not allowed. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone else had your standard of excellence! I would venture to say that you ahead of 95% of your peers (other parents) 90% of the coaches and sadly about 85% of referees. You are absolutely correct that there is no requirement for the offended team (the kicking team) to have to request that which is already assured them. That would be like having to request your money from your own paycheck. As long as you comply with the standards that provide you the money in the paycheck, that money is yours. You don't have to ask your boss to give it to you. He/She is REQUIRED to do so. The same principle applies here as well.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

This Game has always been two teams of gentlemen [ladies, too] competing. Law 13 states all opponents are at least 9,15 m [10 yds] from the ball. That is a REQUIREMENT, not a choice. Ladies and gentlemen fulfill their obligations, do they not?

Well in this day and age, who the h$%% cares.

YOU do! You took the time to read the Law and now realize any player opposing any free kick and nearer than the required distance is committing a cautionable offence. Oh, how do I wish you were a referee instructor for FIFA and US Soccer. Wouldn't matches be ever so much better than they are today; crowds around the ball stopping the opponent's FREE kick after they have just killed off an attack by foul play AND the referee allows it. Whoopee!

You have it right Mike, players opposing a free kick MUST retire the required distance and do so WITHOUT being begged to by a referee who, in most cases, lacks the courage to apply the Law. You are too right...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

WOW!!! A soccer parent that has read the LOTG! You are to be commended. The reason you don't see anywhere that the kicking team or the referee has to order the 10 yards is that the 10 yards is to be given immediately by the team that committed the foul. There is a big myth that the team that committed the foul has rights. SPecifically the right to slow down the fouled team and the right to form a wall. I have had coaches instruct their players to stand in front of the ball and not move until the referee tells them to. These coaches are shocked when the yellow card comes flying out of my pocket. I have had coaches yell at me that they need play stopped to form a wall and get upset when I don't do it. The team committing the foul is required to give the 10 yards. Period. You understand Law 13 just fine

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 17092