Question Number: 21023

Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/23/2009

RE: competitive Under 14

aw of ridgefield, ct usa asks...

IDFK to attacking team in defenders goal area (ball placed on 6 yd. line closest to infraction). Does the referee have to allow time for defenders to set up (they should form a wall on goal line), or can the attacking team quickly restart, with the second touch likely tapped into an undefended goal? Does it depend on level of play, as younger players are often clueless what takes place on various restarts? As referee, I would make certain only that ball is placed properly at point of restart and let players determine the result.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The referee should not interfere with the attacking team's right to a quick kick. Only step in if the kicking team asks for assistance with the 10-yard distance. Or with defending players on the goal line between the goalposts in this case.

At the same time, the ref should not distract the defenders by giving them any instructions on positioning unless the kick is to be made ceremonial.

The younger kids have to learn sometime. Only in a non-competitive setting, if they're all utterly clueless, should the ref intervene to create a teaching moment. It's the responsibility of the coach.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The attackers are most often granted the right to restart at THEIR convenience provided the ball is placed correctly and kicked into play.
The difficulty in INDFKS this close to the goal is the confusion usually by both teams in knowing what to do and what is required! Plus the hostility factor that If the free kick goes ahead on a quick impulse and fails there is the whining the defending team has interfered or if a goal the attacking team somehow cheated!
Admittedly I have real reservations of this NOT being made ceremonial but can not fault a quick witted attacker who knows the law from the attempt.

An INDFK must touch another player to enter the goal and it could be a deliberate attempt to play the ball as a deflection off an opponent into the goal. I have SEEN this tried and it ended in a very very ugly manner as the ball was placed and kicked but caught the groin area of a defender who was only 3 yards away then rebounded back and rekicked into goal. The team that scored was celebrating as the other team incensed their player was injured by the cheap trick. The goal was disallowed, the kicker sent of for violent conduct as the referee had decided the attempt was in fact to hurt the player not just score a goal. After much yelling, cautions, send offs, coach expulsion and cards the free kick was ceremonially retaken and scored off a head deflection which also hurt the defender. One of the worst protested situations I ever encountered in my life. The coaches screaming players fighting just a frigging mess of crap!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

And you would be correct. Place the ball and get out of the way

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

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