Question Number: 19159

Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/21/2008

Bryan Holly of , ontario canada asks...

is it required for the referee to tell the defenders to move 10 yards back on a free kick? or does it have to be requested by the attacking team

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No. In fact the referee always strive not to do anything to prevent the fouled team from taking a quick kick. There is a myth that the team committing the foul gets to set up wherever they want and don't have to move until the referee tells them to. If asked by the team taking the kick for the 10 yards the referee should make it clear to everyone not to take the kick until the referee signals.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If an opponent moves in from a distance away to prevent a quick kick from being taken, she has accomplished what she wanted to do - delay the kick until the rest of her team can get into position. For her efforts, she will earn a yellow card from me. No warnings, no pleadings for them to move back 10, certainly no marching off of the distance by me.

If the wall sets up about 8 yards from the ball, OK I'll give them the benefit of doubt that they were trying to get to 10. If the kicking team then asks for 10 yards, I'll be sure to give them *at least* 10 yards as the Laws require. Where the wall estimated short, I just might estimate long. If they don't like it, well, if they knew where exactly 10 yards was, why didn't they go there in the first place?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Those opposing any free kick are obligated to retire the required distance from the point of the free kick. Those not doing so have not respected the required distance and that is an offence for which a player is cautioned and shown the yellow card.

Regards,