Question Number: 18325

Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/2/2008

RE: Competitive (Travel) Under 12

James Faust of Chambersburg, PA USA asks...

Can someone explain the differences between the direct and indirect kicks and what rules imply with both?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A goal may be scored directly - that is, without touching any other player, friend or foe - on a direct free kick. On an indirect kick, the ball must touch another player before it can be scored.

Direct free kicks are given for the 10 fouls listed in Law 12. Some restarts such as kickoffs are direct as well. Goal kicks and corner kicks are direct but only if a goal is scored by the kicking team (you can't score directly against yourself). Indirect kicks are given for all other offenses mentioned in the Laws.

This is somewhat simplified, but I hope it meets your needs.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Following up on Ref Voshol, I would recommend checking out the 10 direct free kick offenses a player can commit by reading Law 12 (you can do that on this site or the www.ussoccer.com website, among others). It will also point out several of the instances in which an IDFK is awarded, but there are many more. Penalty kicks and direct free kicks are for the same offenses, but the mechanics of taking the kicks are different. IDFK's are always indicated by the referee holding one arm straight up by his ear, and it will stay there until the ball has touched another player. Law 13 will explain Free Kick procedures.