Question Number: 25836

Law 13 - Free Kicks 12/16/2011

RE: Under 11

chai of sanger, ca us asks...

on an indirect free kick, are defenders suppose to wait for the whistle to move forward or when the ball is played? and if its when the ball is played, and the defenders move towards the ball and theres no advantage to the offense, can i make the argument to restart the kick?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

At any free kick the defenders cannot come within the required distance (10 yards) until the ball is kicked and moved.

The whistle is blown as a signal that the kick is now allowed to be taken.

However, don't forget that the laws don't require the whistle except in certain situations. Unless told otherwise, the attacking team do not have to wait for the whistle to take the kick.

If the defending team does encroach, then the referee will determine if the offence is trifling, or if he should take action.

That's his decision. As the coach, your role is limited to conveying support and tactical instructions to your teammates - you have no impact on refereeing decisions. You do your job however you see fit and allow the referee to do his how he sees fit - and be aware of the example you're setting your young players.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

There are different responses available when the defense infringes. Referees, however, are instructed to be proactive with voice and presence to manage free kicks. The laws intend that the attacking team is entitled to BOTH ten yards distance and a quick free kick.

On a quick free kick (where the referee has not told the kicker to wait for the whistle), if the kicker takes the kick when there is a defender within ten yards, the general rule is that play continues. The attacking team can't take a quick kick AND complain about the infringement because the defender intercepts the ball - - so long as the defender doesn't do something else to deliberately prevent the kick. If the defender moves, lunge or advance (or sticks a leg out) towards the ball, and makes contact with the ball, the referee will stop play, caution the defender and have the kick retaken. Otherwise, the defender hasn't prevented the kick from being taken, and play will continue.

On a ceremonial free kick, the defenders must wait until the ball is kicked and moves (the whistle only indicates permission for the kicker to begin). If the defender(s) rush the kicker before it is put in play, the referee has to make a quick decision. If the ball makes contact with a defender, the decision is easy. The defender should be cautioned and the kick retaken.

But, if the ball does not make contact? While the referee usually should stop play and caution the defender, a quick whistle can often interrupt a set play or deny a goal! Many referees will allow play to continue and give a stern warning to the defender at the next opportunity. But, if it happens again, the wise referee will stop play and caution the defender.

IMO, it would be grand if the referee had the power to always give the attacking team two bites at the apple when they do not get ten yards, but that is not the current state of the law.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Chai
The whistle is only the signal that the ball can be kicked. It is not in play until it is kicked and at a free kick players must remain 10 yards from the ball until the ball is kicked.