Question Number: 24811

Law 13 - Free Kicks 4/13/2011

RE: Under 18

Dave of DM, IA US asks...

I am curious if I am developing bad habits on FK management especially within scoring range.
If there are defenders within the 10yd area, I will vocally communicate with them to retreat, saying something like 'give em' 10 yards' or '10 yard please'.
My question is, once I say this, should I then restart with a ceremonial?
Sometimes I allow a quick kick after I say this.
My thinking is that perhaps, if I see that the attacking, fouled team is going to take advantage of a quick kick, then I should just keep quiet.
So my question is basically, if there is ANY sort of 10yd management, should the restart then be ceremonial?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The defense has only one right on a free kick - - the right not to be misled by anything the referee says or does. The referee need not be a potted plant when it comes to the attacking team's two rights: the right to a quick free kick AND the distance. But, the referee's actions must not be misleading.

The first step is to be clear when intending to convert the restart to ceremonial. If the referee always use a loud verbal 'wait for the whistle' combined with a gesture (hand holding whistle in front of face), the instruction is clear and unambiguous. This is usually given near the spot of the foul. Many referees then set the wall using the 'first brick method' - moving toward the goal near the defenders and directing the players to a spot ten yards away.

The defenders can be misled when the referee's words or actions seem to mimic some of the steps used in setting the wall.

a) The location of the referee can matter. Chirping someone to move back when the referee is far from the ball and far from the defenders is less confusing, than doing the same thing at the ball or near the 'first brick.'

b) The words and tone used can matter. Setting the wall is usually slow, calm, and polite. Barking at someone to move back is a quick command.

c) The time matters. The ideal time to be proactive is the first and second fouls of the match, particularly when those occur in the middle third. There is less chance of confusion if the expectations are set early

c) The location of the restart can matter. A free kick in the danger zone near the opponents' goal is always a highly charged event. The defense wants to hear that the referee is making the attacking team wait for the whistle so they have time to set the defense. They want to view anything the referee does as confirmation that the restart is ceremonial. It is, IMO, a lousy place to be proactive about getting ten. The referee needs to watch the kicker and the attacking team, and move back unless the attacking team indicates it wants assistance. If so, the indication should be a clear "wait for the whistle."

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dave
I believe that once the referee intervenes with a loud instruction to the defending team in a typical ceremonial position that it can be construed as misleading and it is best to go 'ceremonial'. If the team wants to go with a quick free kick then the referee should not get involved in dstracting or instructing defenders.
I allowed a QFK recently in a game which resulted in a goal and I was berated by the conceding team as they believed I 'intervened'. If I made a mistake it was that I failed to move away quickly from the ball

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I like your last statement. If you see the attacking team is going to take a quick kick, get out of the way and be quiet.