Question Number: 20109

Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/29/2008

RE: Rec,Comp Under 13

Jeffrey of Saratoga, CA USA asks...

Two questions about interfering with a quick restart:

I have read LOTG and ATR on this point, and think I understand that if:
(a) opponent does not retreat the required distance OR
(b) is still retreating and within the required distance
AND
(c) the kicker elects to take a quick FK
AND
(d) the opponent sticks his foot out or moves and blocks the ball
THEN
(i) caution the opponent (or in my U10 Rec game I verbally warned the opponents that they needed to back up quickly on a restart)
(ii) Retake the FK

First question is: Why is it a retake as opposed to an IFK at the point of infringement? On the face of it, the FK was correctly taken, the ball is back in play, but the opponent interfered. Why is that a retake (assuming I am correct on that point)

Second question: In my U10 Rec games I have been moving out of the way and encouraging the quick restart, but *also* telling the opponents that they need to retreat the required distance. At this level we are encouraged to explain our calls, so does this seem reasonable? (I ask because I have seen this type of pre-warning criticized in other articles I have read about FKs)

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Question #1 Because that';s what we're told to do by LOTG and ATR
#2 I like what you're doing at U10.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

It's a retake because the defender has interfered with the proper taking of the original kick. If that kick had been a DFK, why would you want to replace it with an IDFK? And think, if the restart was not properly done - which it wasn't since the defender was closer than 10 yards and interfered, then what choice does the referee have but to retake the kick?

At U10, the players are still learning the game. As long as your explanations aren't long winded and done with a white board and marker, there is no harm and most likely great benefit. Too many referees continue to use this verbal instruction long past the time when it is no longer needed.

My favorite referees when my kids were little were the ones who would gently correct them, and explain in easy to understand ways what did need to be done. (The coaches learned a lot that way, too!)

Regards!