Question Number: 30054

Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/27/2016

RE: Competitive Under 17

mac of tampa, FL USA asks...

Can a player be within 10 yards of an opponent's free kick when the taker of the kick didn't ask for 10 yards? Does this deserve a caution?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mac
The principle behind a quick free kick is that the team can take a free kick without the need for all opponents to be 10 yards away.
It is only a caution if the opponent prevents the kick being taken by moving toward the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Mac ,
Closer than 10? short answer YES he can
Deserve a caution? short answer Not likely but Maybe!

The opposition are mandated in the LOTG to withdraw a MINIMUM of 10 yards but the free kick can be taken quickly if those awarded it deemed it beneficial. The fact that the opposition has not had time to withdraw may not be their fault.

ONCE the ball is kicked it is in play and an opponent even if a few yards away has the right to pursue it! The caution for delaying the restart or failing to respect the distance will be based on whether the defenders try to move closer preventing the free kick from occurring BEFORE it is kicked into play. If they fail we ignore and play continues but if their unfair actions succeeded we stop show a yellow card and restart the free kick again. Attackers will on occasion deliberately kick the ball into a nearby attacker claiming we should caution. Referees must be focused and aware.
Cheers
Cheers