Question Number: 20337

Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/22/2008

RE: rec Under 13

bob of la mirada, cal usa asks...

Reading the Fifa laws, law 13 states that on a restart of an indirect play that the ball must be kicked and moves to be put into play. So does that mean that a player can still run to the ball and touch and wiggle the ball and that is concidered enought to put the ball in play. We read it that it must be touched in a kicking manner, so what does 'kicked' mean.

thank you

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

USSF Advice to Referees answers this:
[quote]
13.5 BALL IN PLAY
The ball is in play (able to be played by an attacker other than the kicker or by an opponent) when it has been kicked and moved. The distance to be moved is minimal and the 'kick' need only be a touch of the ball with the foot in a kicking motion. Simply tapping the top of the ball with the foot or stepping on the ball are not sufficient.
When the restart of play is based on the ball being kicked and moved, the referee must ensure that the ball is indeed kicked (touched with the foot in a kicking motion) and moved (caused to go from one place to another). Being 'kicked' does not, for example, include an action in which the ball is dragged by continuous contact with the foot. Being 'moved' does not, for example, include the ball simply quivering, trembling, or shaking as a result of light contact. The referee must make the final decision on what is and is not 'kicked and moved' based on the spirit and flow of the match. In all events, the ball must be put into play properly.
[end quote]

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You cannot simply go up and tap the ball. While kicked and moved isn't defined it is understood that the ball should appreciably move and the foot must propel it not just make it shudder

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Touching a ball is not the same as kicking it. kicked means: 'to strike out with the foot or feet' or 'to strike, thrust, or hit with the foot b: to strike suddenly and forcefully as if with the foot' (Merriem-Webster' dictionary). Both characteristics of the definition imply that there is some force associated with the act of 'kicking.' That this force goes beyond a simple 'tap.' Kicking the ball doesn't mean 'barely touch it.' If that were the case, then I am certain I would never hear a coach yell out 'Come on! Kick the ball, will ya?' to their player, who barely touches and the ball, thereby failing to provide their teammate with a well-struck pass. We can split this 'kicking' hair all we want, but the bottom line is, it must look like it's been KICKED. Not 'tapped', not 'brushed by' not 'wiggled.' AND ultimately, it is the OPINION OF THE REFEREE as to whether or not the ball has met the criteria of having been 'kicked and moves.' It is NOT up to the coach/spectators/players to make a decision in this regard.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Bob,
I should point out that what constitutes a kick is also a cultural and acceptance thing . In the scheme of things if a player places a foot on the ball and takes it away or a simple nudge and the wall breaks forward and the team taking the kick accepts it as the start of play and the team defending accepts it as the start of play the referee must pick those moments when to say that is not a kick or leave well enough alone.
Cheers

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