Question Number: 29412

Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/16/2015

RE: Youth to adult, comp and rec.

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

A situation came up in a 7-a-side tournament.

Indirect free kick just outside the PA. I'm not sure what his plan was¦ but the kicker made a 5-yard kick to space, then chased after it. He LOOKED like he wanted to kick it again, but a defender got to it first and bounced it off the attacker's foot. It was a lucky bounce and the attacker got a good shot off and scored.

The defending team, especially the keeper, was upset... thinking there was a double-touch. I said that's not what I saw. The defending team went on to win anyway.

My question is: does the free-kick-taker have the right to pressure the ball, even though he has no right to double-touch it? My reading of the LAW says YES. In the case of an offside player, they do not have the right to pressure the ball -- correct?

While we're at it¦ would he have the right to shield the ball?

Similarly, a throw-in-taker cannot be the next to touch the thrown ball¦ but can certainly pressure a defender coming to get it -- and could also shield it?

Thanks again for this valuable -- and non-judgemental -- site. I'm sure you've seen other sites where posters can suffer the wrath of others for asking certain questions. I don't see that here. Well done!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
There is no offence on putting pressure on the ball on a potential double touch. As described here there is no offence as the player has not double touched the ball. If the defending team is astute enough it should allow the double touch and an easy IDFK restart.
Now if the player cannot legally play the ball because of a potential double touch infringement or if the ball is not within playing distance, such shielding becomes “impeding the progress of an opponent” and should be penalised by an indirect free kick. If there is contact it is holding and a direct free kick.
In respect of offside, pressure may be represented as challenging an opponent for the ball. A PIOP simply running towards the ball may not be challenging and the AR should wait to see what happens before making the call.

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

Hi Barry,
your questions are always welcome, if we felt they were truly a waste of our time, we would not answer them lol As the old adage goes, the only dumb question is one that is unasked!

I will say this when we respond as ...INDIVIDUALS... our own brand of cynicism or doubt or opinions on certain things are not always received with open hands and hearts. In the eyes of some, our knowledge of football is lacking because we are who and what we are. I suspect we, at least I know I have inadvertently irritated, been a tad sarcastic and occasionally teased but not with deliberate rancour or distain. No one here who contributes on a regular basis has done anything except given freely of their time and knowledge to enlighten and promote the beautiful game. For those we disappointed or failed in someway that is their burden to carry not ours. We readily apologize if we are incorrect or on a perceived slight. We do not lay claim to be omnipotent, we are not in the elite group of 8 at the head of the IFAB or the upper echelons of FIFA . What we are is a group of colleagues who get a sense of accomplishment for doing what we can, when we can! We do strive to be correct and go to great lengths to retrain or research and stay current on the updates of the LOTG. I want to thank all those who have contributed to the panel and to those who trusted us with their questions. Sharing a bond of football in whatever format is acceptable in the spirit of fair play is always a good thing! We appreciate your kind comments and honour your efforts with our own.

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Barry,
I side with my colleague if they wanted an INDFK let him kick it. By the opponent touching it, the ball is back in play for the kicker
Lol

If a player is prohibited from playing the ball then his preventing an opponent from getting to it will be evaluated on his actions and by what restrictions he is under.

A double touch free kick or throw in, corner, goal etc,,, possibility that is shielded from an opponent within playing distance will go the same as impeding if the design is to interfere with the opponents ability to get to a free ball but the opponent must stop or alter his position to avoid running into that player who is not playing the ball but the opponent.

Offside is somewhat different but essentially the restricted offside player can not prevent an opponent from getting to the ball! His actions away from the ball are just judged much the same as impeding, if the ball is within playing distance than it could be considered a challenge. The only dilemma is blocking the line of sight and that is general attributed to shots directed at the keeper in goal where his vision is unfairly impaired by the blocking position be it accidently or on purpose of a PIOP (player in offside position) An offside player cannot successfully shield the ball as long as the opposition does try to get it when in playing distance! An offside player can stand right over top the ball as long as he does nothing to stop an opponent from being able to see or get to the ball there is no actual infraction.

Cheers