Question Number: 22334

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 10/23/2009

RE: Rec Under 12

Mark Ernst of Pickerington, OH Fairfield asks...

On a IDFK our team had kicked the ball and the goalie from the opposing team had touched it and it spilled into the net. The opposing coach influenced the ref to disallow the goal because on the second touch of the ball was not from our team. Was this correct? In the rules it states it must touch another player but does it specify which?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You are correct. It doesn't matter which team touches the ball a second time. Once it's touched by someone on either team, a goal may be scored.

Unfortunately at U12, you often have younger and/or less-experienced referees, who may be more suceptible to cajolling from an over-eager, but misinformed, coach.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Coach
Your question does not indicate if the referee signalled that it was an IDFK nor do you mention what the restart was. If the referee did not make the IDFK signal with a raised hand above his head then the free kick would have to be retaken. If the correct signal was made and the keeper touched the ball a goal would be awarded. Very fundamental part of the laws

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The reasoning is incorrect an indfk can indeed contact any of the other 21 players on the field including the keepers to make for a legal goal. A mechanic failure on the part of the referee to not correctly indicate it was an INDFK it is in fact to be retaken!
Cheers