Question Number: 18369

Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/12/2008

christina of kincardine, canada asks...

how far away must an opposing player be when you are taking an indirect kick?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

At least 10 yards. Notice the "at least".

An exception is made when the kick is taken within 10 yards of the goal, by the attacking team. Then the nearest the defenders may be is on the goal line between the posts.

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The opponents are required to retire at least 10 yards at the taking of ANY free kick by the opponents. If the free kick is coming out of the penalty area they must also be outside the penalty area. If there is an indirect free kick inside the penalty area and the ball is closer to the goal line than 10 yards, the opponents may line up on the goal line even if it's less than 10 yards. Keep in mind that on kick offs and penalty kicks, the opponents are also required to be at least 10 yards from the ball.

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Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

At least 10 yards, unless the ball is less than 10 yards from the opponents goal. In that case, the defending players may stand ONLY on the goal line in between their own goal posts, otherwise they must be at least 10 yards away (from all directions, I might add).

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