Question Number: 25657

Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/24/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

Andrew Glidden of Edinburgh, Midlothian Scotland asks...

Indirect free kick inside penalty box.

In a recent match, the referee awarded an indirect free kick inside the 18 yard box, indicating that a defender had deliberately covered the ball by lying over it during a goalmouth scramble. The offence took place around 4 yards from the goal line. The defence lined up on the goal line, but where should the ball have been placed for the kick?

In this case, the referee, marched 10 yards back from the goal line and placed the ball,giving the attackers a clear shot at goal from a layoff, but I believe this was incorrect and the ball either placed where the offence took place or on the 6 yard line - what should the correct position have been?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

For an attacking indirect free kick in the goal area, the ball is placed on the edge of the goal area, parallel to the goal line and nearest where the offence occurred.

In short, it should've been brought out another 2 yards, not another 6.

The defence is still allowed to line up on the goal line.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Andrew
On an infringement inside the goal area the correct position for the indirect free kick is on the 6 yard line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. The defenders must be 10 yards away to the side and rear. Those defenders in front of the ball must line up on the goal line.
Now the IDFK inside the penalty area is indeed a pretty rare offence in recent times and the referee I suspect was unsure what to do.
His decision was incorrect yet he tried to make a decision that 'fitted' the requirement that all opponents must be 10 yards from the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The proper place was the 6 yard line not 10 yards from the foul.