Question Number: 19354

Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/11/2008

RE: Competitive Under 15

Ben Citrin of Madison, Connecticut United States asks...

Does the kicker actually have to ASK for 10 yards before they have to be given? I was playing in a match, and the other team was given a free kick a little past the half line. I went right up and stood 2 feet from the ball, figuring that the kicker had to ask for 10 years first. However, I was immediately given a caution and told I had to be 10 yards away even if they didn't ask for it.

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The Referee was correct in cautioning you and showing you the yellow card, you are OBLIGATED to retire the required distance as soon as the ball is spotted.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Sigh. Myth #I lost count is players have to ask for 10 yards. On the contrary, the defense OWES the attack 10 yards without being told. Failure to do so can and does result in a caution for failing to retire the distance. Duh. Some lessons have to be learned the hard way, is true. Go and sin no more, my friend.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ben,
it is MANDITORY to withdraw to a MINIMUM of ten yards. While it is a tactic to try and delay or force the free kick to be delayed so their is more time to react defensively it is one that is in violation of the laws failure to respect the ten yards, delaying the restart as well as USB. A proactive referee will not permit these violations to go unsanctioned or unchallenged so that teams are not forced into asking for ten yards because the opponents are in fact illegally too close to begin with.
It is unfortunate this is permitted far too often resulting in too many ceremonial restarts.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Kudos to a referee with the guts to enforce the Laws of the Game!

If you said you had formed your wall at 8 yards and the ref immediately cautioned you without a warning, we might have an issue. Players might misjudge 8 yards vs 10. But not 2 feet.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Look at you... picking up unnecessay cautions because you didn't understand the law. Now you do. Don't do it again and consider it a lesson learned. Good Job by this ref.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Nope. You must yield 10 yds right away. This ref did a good job. Otherwise you could always delay a quick kick.