Question Number: 19954

Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/15/2008

RE: Competitive Under 15

Greg of Kingsport, TN USA asks...

In my son's recent game, his keeper was called for handling a pass back from his own defender about 12 yards for the goal. An indirect free kick was given, and the kicker shot directly toward the goal. The keeper tried to save the shot, and it brushed his hands as it went in. Is this a goal? Does the ball have to touch a second player from the same (shooting) team on an indirect free kick before it counts as a goal, or can an opposing team member count as the 'second' player to touch the ball? The ref allowed the goal after some indecision and discussion with the assistant. Was that the correct decision?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The correct decision is to find a league with more experienced refs at U15. This is a basic decision; there should be no discussion over it. A player is a player is a player. There is no mention in Law 13 of which team the players are on, only that there be at least two of them touching the ball before it goes in the net. Goal counts.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

No the ball does not have to be touched by the same team that kicked it ANY player off any team. on an INDFK confirms the requirements. The discussion was likely the referee did not see the touch by the keeper and the AR did so was communicating this. At least I hope that was the discussion. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

There should have been no indecision on the part of the referees as this is clearly a goal. On an indirect free kick, the ball must touch ANY 2 players before a goal can be legally scored. Unfortunately, your keeper qualifies as 'any player'. Had the keeper not touched the ball, no goal and the restart would be a goal kick.