Question Number: 17793

Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/9/2007

RE: REC Under 11

Marty Ammtz of North Royaton, Ohio USA asks...

Rule 13: Free Kicks: The rule that states "ball is in play when it is kicked and moves" appears to be vague. What constitutes "moves." Does the ball have to leave the exact spot of placement before the second touch occurs? If just tapping it does not make the ball appear to vacate the exact spot it was sitting on prior to the tap, does that tapping satisfy the "ball is in play" requirement? If it does, then it would appear that the word "moves" is superfluous.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Moves means it goes from here to there. The ref must be able to discern the displacement. Simply tapping the ball so it vibrates, while satisfying a theoretical definition of movement, does not suffice to put it into play.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Well, it is sort of vague. So the answer is - the ball moves when the referee believes it has and not before. We know that tapping the top of the ball isn't moving the ball. However, a very small kicking motion that moves the ball from "point A" to "point B" will constitute enough movement.

However, it is not the players or coaches that matter in this regard, it is solely the referee who decides whether or not it is in play. So if he doesn't think it was in, it wasn't.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Marty, think of the word "kicked" and you'll see why a tap is insufficient to be considered a kick. There must be a kicking motion made with the foot, and the ball must move a discernible distance, even if it is a small distance. Beats the heck out of the old "circumference of the ball." Oh, dear, I think that dates me!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Marty tapped and wiggled does not equal kicked and moves. However some referees are not cognizant of this fact, they have not read the US Soccer policy on the matter that is contained in Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game paragraph 13.5.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Kicked and moves means that the ball must travel from position A to be position B. Simply stomping or dragging the ball does not constitute a kick and does not suffice for putting the ball into play. This is something that a lot of referees do not understand.