Question Number: 25047

Law 11 - Offside 6/1/2011

RE: Travel/Select Under 14

Donald Mueller of Alexandria, Virginia USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25024

To follow up:
Why is there no mention of free kicks in rule 11?

On an indirect free kick, if all the defenders line up even with the ball (10 yds to the side) then all the offensive players would have to line up beside (or behind) them. Otherwise when they (the offense) receives the ball they would be offside.

Of course, if it's direct the defense will probably want a wall.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Donal
There is no mention of free kicks in Law 11 because offside applies at all times in the attacking half.
In addition Law 13 states that all defending players must be located 10 yards from the ball. If that player/s are the 2nd last defender/s then that is the position for offside consideration. If they move towards the ball the attackers are now placed in an offside position and as there could be no advantage due to offside in allow play to continue the kick must be retaken.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

There is no need to mention free kicks in Law 11 as offside applies at all free kicks in the attacking half. Law 11 mentions exceptions.

But let's lay to rest the mistaken notion the defenders have a right to form a wall. The defenders have committed the offense and the only right they have is not to be misled by the referee. The attacking team however, has a right to a quick kick if they want and the referee must not do anything to hinder the attackers, like allowing the defense to form a wall.