Question Number: 17391

Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/19/2007

RE: Youth

Mike Percherke of Enola, PA Cumberland asks...

Let's assume a corner kick though the same scenario could exist for any free kick. A defender gives the kicker more than the required 10 yards, let's say 15. Before the kick, the defender starts a run at the kicker in an attempt to block or distract the kicker. The kick is taken before the player encroaches on the 10 yard requirement. Is this a legal action for the defender? If not, what should be called by the referee?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Well, you have already answered your own question. You said the defender has not encroached on the required 10 yards distance before the kick was taken. Thus, there is no infringement.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Best the defender does not really encroach - the referee best have a fine idea of where AT LEAST 10 yards stops, or the defender will be engaged in making the free kick less than free. It is your opinion that counts, dear.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Attackers may "fake" kicking the ball at their free kick and bait defenders to approach closer than the required distance. When doong this they are, if effect, forcing the referee to caution for failing to respect the required distance. As a defender you must take care not to approach within the required distance but outside that distance you may do pretty much as you wish until you do something the referee considers interfering with the "free" [operative word here] kick. When you cross that line you subject yourself to a caution and being shown the yellow card. So, you can do what you ask about -- right up to the time the referee says "whoa bubba" and gets out his notebook. Do ya feel lucky, well do ya?

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

This is ok because the defender is not w/i 10 yds.