Question Number: 23177

Law 13 - Free Kicks 4/25/2010

RE: Competitive Under 17

Dave of Clarkston, Washington USA asks...

Managing Quick Free Kicks

Two or three times during my match yesterday, a defender failed to retire the full 10 yards for a quick free kick.

Is it considered a good practice for referee to manage those types of situations through presence and by telling the defender(s)to 'back up' instead of getting out the yellow card?

That's what I did and the defender(s) would eventually retire, but it seemed to slow up the taking of the free kick. The attackers seemed to think that because I said 'back up' to the defender(s), it became a ceremonial free kick.

Please advise. Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

This needs to be addressed the first time it happened, particularly in a low-pressure situation in midfield. If the referee holds up play, and treats it like a 'big' thing with voice and presence, the referee sets the clear line as to what is unacceptable. The second event may still require voice and presence. Many players like the myth that the attacking team needs to ask for ten yards. Players also are used to weak referees not enforcing both ten yards AND the right to a quick free kick. Proactive refereeing will let them recognize that the referee today will. By the third event, the players will understand why a caution was issued. The referee has 'set the table.'

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Dave
Referee Wickham gives good advice with which I agree. The 1st time it happens usually means that the defending team has 'organised' a player to get into this position to prevent the QFK. Step in here by taking the player aside and admonish him publicly for stopping the taking of the free kick. He should be told that this is unacceptable and that if he does it blatantly again that you may be forced to take stronger action. His team may decide to change the player that prevents the QFK and again strong words are required. The next blatant one step in and caution the player.
If an attacker does go to take the QFK and the attacker is prevented from doing so then it is a caution. The only word of warning is to look out for the QFK that is kicked at the defender with the sole intention of a caution and the pass is not directed to a team mate. On those it is a retake with a strong word for the defender not to get in that position again.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

This partly may have to do with how far the defender is retreating. If a defender goes directly to the ball and stands directly in front of it preventing a quick kick, that player is going to be cautioned by me immediately. If he's 4-5 yards or not making any real effort to retreat then verbally admonish and caution when repeated but the player that goes to the ball and stays there gets a caution from me right away

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

These situations require awareness on the part of the referee - from the very first whistle for an offense. This is your opportunity to let the teams know how you will manage free kicks.

Be present and visible that first time, both physically and verbally. If the defense is retiring slowly, be emphatic, and if need be (it will depend on the game) go ahead and do a ceremonial free kick. It will set the tone. By depending on the game I mean consider the age, skill level and your familiarity with these teams, all of which impact how strident you need to be. With U17 competitive, if they are already testing you on the distance on the first offense, then is the time to act. Waiting until later only makes it harder, and will increase both man management issues and dissent propensity.

If a defense is ever foolish enough to come stand in front of the ball, runs in front of the ball while the kicker is taking his swing or starting his run, or stands where they obstruct the kicker in any way, I book them the first time. This behavior is coached, is disrespectful to the game, and is in desperate need of referee intervention, early and often. They will whine and cry they didn't mean to, but amazingly, they learn quickly not to repeat the behavior - this game; hopefully, they will be leery of doing it next game as well, and never in your games again.

If the attack seems to think your management with voice, presence and waiting for the defenders to meander to 10 yards means they should do a ceremonial free kick, that's okay the first time. After that, I would worry that I am doing the defense's work for them, and get mean.

All of the advice you get should be filtered through what you know about the teams, how comfortable you are with the suggestions, and how it will impact the game itself. Sometimes we create overkill by trying to manage the free kick situations. Ask yourself if this is working this game, or are both teams tense and resentful? If so, time to tone it down. Good luck out there!