Question Number: 23465

Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/13/2010

RE: Adult

Timm Kluender of Gypsum, CO USA asks...

Is the OFFENSIVE team allowed to set a wall during a free kick? During a corner kick?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

They can if they wish. And unlike the opponents, they are not restricted from being closer than 10 yards to the kick.

But since the purpose of a wall is generally to block the kick from going toward the goal, I would wonder just what the attackers would hope to accomplish with a wall.

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Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

The offensive team can pretty much do whatever they like.

However, the referee needs to look out for offenders trying to force their way into the defensive wall - this causes unnecessary confrontation.

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Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Sure. Of course now they have fewer players who can be involved in the subsequent play, so one has to wonder about the utility of this move. If they are in front of the defensive wall, that seems foolish. If they are behind it, they had better be looking at whether or not they are in an offside position.

If there is no defensive wall, or if the attack is trying to block the view of the keeper, and they are not in an offside position, it could work, maybe once. But again, this takes players away from the attack. I fail to see the use?

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