Question Number: 21094

Law 13 - Free Kicks 4/6/2009

RE: Under 16

Dave of DM, IA US asks...

This question is a follow up to question 21023

This question is in response to Mr. Dawson's answer of question 21023.

You mentioned in your answer about a IFK taken 6yds out that the ref. sent off the kicker because he felt he was trying to injure the defender by quick kicking the ball at him so hard from such close range (3yds.)

I was just curious if (1) you agreed with the call and (2)suppose it was a ceromonial IFD kick 6yds out. Can you still call VC for a kicker trying to blast the ball off one of the defenders even though they should be prepared for such an event? I understand that the age group would be a consideration.

As always your input is very much appreciated.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

I actually was trying to point out why I think this type of free kick is more ceremonial than quick.
No one can argue that if you decide to line up on the goal line under the crossbar between the posts and the ceremonial INDFK occurs from 6 yards away there is time to prepare and set yourself for the ball blast that COULD follow the restart whistle. If you take one for the team tough nugies you can place the arms over crotch and face for protection if you so wish.
It is a REACH to say a free kick taken is actually a VC action but consider if a ball is spotted beside an opposing player already on the ground 3 yards away in the goal area and I use this as an excuse to place the ball and then smack him in the face or groin to recover my own indfk kick so I can score, does it not violates ethical standards of fair play? Even if the player only wanted to deflect the ball off him into goal such an action does create ill will and it certainly COULD be careless, reckless or excessive in someway.
I agree that such a call is exceedingly rare and to be truthful at a ceremonial restart the kicker could direct the ball from an indfk at 6 yards head high as hard as he liked with no recriminations. An injury could result in a whistle to stop play and a deflection could result in a goal such are the chances in a match.

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

This is one of those 'you had to be there' questions.

However, I would find it an especailly difficult sell to send off an attacker who takes a hard free kick directed straight at the goal in an attempt to score. If a defender chooses to adopt the 6 yard position in defending, they should be ready for a hard shot! Naturally, a player will try to score by boucing the ball off of an opposing player. It would also be difficult to say whether or not the player actually intended to strike the defender, how do you know they weren't simply trying to score a goal?

It would be, as I said, a very hard sell. AND it would be equally hard to identify as VC.