Question Number: 17092

Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/4/2007

RE: rec. Under 14

David of Yuba City, CA. U.S. asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17044

Don't you think the other team shoud get infront of ball and slowly back up. [17044]
That way the rest of their team can get set up.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

No, it's not in accordance with the Law. Just what other of the seventeen Laws of the Game do you wish the referee to ignore? Or perhaps you would rather ignore Laws of the Land, you know the ones Football is supposed to teach players to respect and obey.

I always like to use this example: if you desire me to ignore a Law I get to choose which Law I ignore. If I choose premeditated murder it shouldn't bother you, right? You did want me to ignore the Law, right? Just think for a second David...

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If it is obvious the team committing the foul is delaying moving back the REQUIRED 10 yards, they may also be cautioned and shown the yellow card for delaying the restart of play. This is exactly what I would do if a team employed this tactic during a match I refereed.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI David,
The opoerative word on FREE kicks is *FREE *. Now tactically as a coach or player I might be tempted to do as you suggest to stop a quick kick or attacking opportunity but certainly will not be surprised if the referee chooses to apply the law as he should! A player or players who take that approach could be cautioned and shown the yellow card.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

David, there is a difference between what tactics a coach might teach and what is legal under the Laws of the Game. Too many coaches and thus too many players are ignorant of what they can and cannot do under the Laws and make plays and tactics based on the kind of thinking you outline above. Then they jump up and down and get mad when the referee doesn't allow their "new" play. Go figure. Now, there are a few players (and coaches) out there who know the Laws well enough to use them to their advantage, and that is also part of the game - and the referee of that player or coach had better be on his toes. If the defense is willing to suffer the possibility of a caution in order to set up a wall closer to their goal or to get numbers back in time, it is a calculated risk. In Bob Evans' and Ed Bellion's book "For the Good of the Game," they list a number of such examples where players intentionally foul as a tactic or risk a card as a tactic, and referees need to be aware of such matters so they can perhaps be a step ahead of these guys!