Question Number: 17733

Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/6/2007

RE: rec Adult

the general of seoul, korea korea asks...

Situation: A defender passes back to his goalie and the goalie picks the ball up in his own 18 yard box. Referee blows the whistle and signals an indirect free kick. The forward, grabs the ball quickly, places it and passes to an open player who goes for goal. As soon as the pass was made the ref blew the whistle stating that the forward must wait for the whistle when a foul is commited inside the box. Is this true?

Can a player play the ball quickly inside the box on an indirect free kick or does he have to wait for the whistle? There was no one blocking the ball and 10 yards were not asked for. It seems to me that the forward can play quickly if he sees it to his advantage, though I may be wrong.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

No, you're right. The referee was mistaken.

Chances are he did not want "contraversey" by allowing the defenders time to get back. That is totally wrong and contraversial in itself.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

As long as the ball was placed (nearly) in the right position, the attacker should be free to take the kick. I recall the USWNT scoring a goal off such a play, while the opposing goalkeeper was still busy arguing the call with the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You've just witnessed a referee making up his own rules as he goes along. Sorry

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

See Question: 17792