Question Number: 22018

Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/20/2009

Hans of Detroit, Michigan Wayne asks...

In a free kick, if the team taking the kick is not taking it quickly and you see players lining up 5 yards away from the ball, can a referee step in and have the players move back another 5 yards, even though the kicking team has not yet asked for ten yards?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes. The kicking team doesn't 'have to ask for 10'. That is a right given to them by Law 13, which they can waive by taking a quick free kick. But the opponents are not allowed to steal that right away.

If you decide to intervene, you must tell the kicker to wait for a whistle.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The kicking team is entitled BOTH to a quick free kick and to ten yards. The defenders want to stop the quick kick by forcing the opposing team to ask for the distance, knowing that means the referee must whistle for the kick.

The referee needs to be proactive about respecting the distance. At the first opportunity, shout publicly (so that all can hear) to the defender to 'move back' or'give ten.' I like to add 'play' at the end of the command so it is clear that the kicker doesn't have to wait for the whistle. 'Move back #8, Play!' If players don't get the message (or fear running laps for upsetting the coach more than they fear the ref), a caution may be necessary. (In my matches, the players who runs up to the ball and then kneels down to tie a shoe will see a yellow card when they stand up.) But, watch the kicker. Don't interrupt a quick kick if the kicking team wants one.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

I am slightly at odds with the *must* part of my USSF colleague's answer although I know it is considered proper etiquette to do so.
In my opinion unless the referee has decided in his own mind and or stated, 'We are WAITING for the whistle to restart!' the defenders best prepare to defend.
I think HOW the intervention is managed will depend on whether a whistle is required.
If it is a physical intervention ALWAYS restart with a whistle.
If there is a need to caution ALWAYS restart with a whistle.
If you simply tell them from a distance, (10 yards NOW!) or (Are we looking for yellow cards there boys?) to remind them without having to caution or physically go back to the restart point and physically intervene I see no guarantees that the defenders should get a whistle restart with time to set a wall!
If the team taking the kick generally complains about a lack of ten yards it is not always the same as a direct request to intervene and set a wall. It could be simple frustration that the opposing team is not respecting the free kick status. I agree with the premise a referee is neutral and must be wary of creating diversions but it is mandatory to withdraw and being yelled at to be reminded rather than being stopped and cautioned is not a bad trade off in my opinion.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Unfortunately a practise of defenders positioning themselves in front of free kicks to allow defences to regroup has developed over the years. The attacking team is entitled to 10 yards and is also entitled to take the free kick when they are ready. Any attempt by moving towards the ball to stop it by a defender in this sitaution should IMO be dealt with by a caution.
I believe the best way to deal with this is to be proactive and to speak with the player/s on the first occassion as usually it is the same players that have this 'task' and inform him/her that you do not want this to happen again.
This is taken from the Laws of the Game Q&As

' A free kick is awarded and the player decides to take the kick quickly.
An opponent who is less than 9.15 m. from the ball intercepts it. What action does the referee take?
He allows play to continue.

A free kick is awarded and the player decides to take the kick quickly.
An opponent who is near the ball deliberately prevents him taking the kick. What action does the referee take?
The player is cautioned and shown a yellow card for delaying the
restart of play.'