Question Number: 12298

Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/5/2006

RE: Any Under 17

Taylor of McK, CA USA asks...

As you and I know on an IFK, two players must touch the ball for a goal to be scored. My question is in the LOTG 2005/2006 it says that "the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves" (Law 13) does tapping the top of the ball constitute "kicking"? For example, two players of the same team set up like they are taking a kick. One goes up to the ball and taps it. The other runs up to the ball and kicks it directly into the goal. Is this a legal goal? I was talking my referee assignor and he said that it is a legal goal. I go by what it says in the USSF Advice and say that it does count. My referee assignor didn't say anything about a local regulation and that it was at all levels and everywhere. What is the correct answer?

Thank You
-Taylor

P.S. You are doing a great job with this site.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

USSF has waffled on this. Earlier last year they said the ball had to be visibly kicked and there had to be a "kicking motion". Later, on their official website, they went back to allowing the tap on the top as being movement. So, at this time, the goal is legal. Keep up with the changing answers.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Kicked and moved means there is discernible movement of the ball when the player uses his foot to "kick" it. The goal is valid.

The referee must be aware of this tactic and how it differs from adjusting the lie of the ball with the foot. Sometimes this is not an easy thing to do.

Regards,

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