Question Number: 20842

Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/13/2009

RE: Rec Under 12

Steve of London, England asks...

Placement of the ball for an indirect free kick inside the opponent's penalty area. I had always believed that the kick was taken from the point of the infringement. However, upon reading through the laws (I occasionally ref some of the kids's matches) I notice that they state the ball should be placed on the goal area line parallel to the goaline in line with the infringement. Is this a recent change or was I previously wrong?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Well, it's not recent, and you are partially wrong. It's only for infractions that happen inside the goal area, not the whole penalty area, that the ball is placed on the 6-yard-line (for inbound kicks, obviously they must be indirect).

A dropped ball that would take place in the goal area is also moved to the 6.

For outbound kicks, direct or indirect, following infractions that take place in the goal area, the ball may be placed anywhere inside the goal area (just like at a goal kick).

This used to be defined as a 'special note' in the Laws of the game. It can now be found in Law 13 for free kicks, and is scattered throughout the Laws for dropped balls.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

What you say is true for inbound IDFK taken from inside the penalty area - minus the area defined as the goal area.

It would be crazy to have an IDFK to the opposing team on the goal line in between the posts, yes? That would be the extreme result of having an IDFK at the spot of the infraction inside the goal area. Thus the more reasonable approach - bring it out to the top of the goal area line. The defenders can be as close as 6 yards away as long as they are on the goal line in between the goal posts - otherwise they must be 10 yards away.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

It's good you are reading the Laws Of The Game if you are refereeing at any level. Familiarize yourself with Laws 11-13 as it's there you will find 80-90% of your questions.You are speaking of kicks inside the GOAL area not the penalty area (although the goal area is inside the penalty area). Kicks coming OUT of the goal area may be taken anywhere inside the goal area. Kicks going towards the goal, i.e. IDFK fouls committed by the defenders inside their own goal area, are taken on the top boundary line of the goal area also referred to as the 6 yard line.