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Law 13 - Free Kicks

The aim of this page is to recognise when free kick should be awarded and how they should be taken properly -  also how to deal with restarts and infringements:
Click here for the "Which restart should I award advice page."

1. Introduction:                              Go to top of this page

During the course of a game, a Referee will need to award two types of free kicks.

A Direct Free Kick (DFK) is awarded when a penal offence is committed.
(See Law 12 DFK for penal offences).

An Indirect Free Kick (IFK) is when a non-penal offence has been committed.
(See Law 12 IFK for non-penal offences).

The main difference between these two types of free kicks, is that:

(a)  a goal can be scored directly from a Direct free kick, without the ball touching another player.

(b) a goal cannot be scored direct from an Indirect free kick - the ball must touch another player before it enters the goal.

A free kick is a method of restarting the game after an infringement or foul has been committed during play. The kick is called 'Free' because it is supposed to be "freely" taken by the team to which it has been awarded, and without any interference, hindrance, or delay by the opposing team. Free kicks are awarded for fouls, misconduct or offside decisions awarded against players on the field of play, and whilst the ball is still in play. A direct free kick is given if play is stopped for a penal foul committed by a player against an opponent on the field of play (a direct free kick offence committed by a defender within his own penalty area is punished by a penalty kick being given to the attacking team -- see Law 14, Penalty Kick). An indirect free kick is given if play is stopped for a dangerous play offence, impedance, or if play is stopped solely to deal with verbal misconduct committed on the field by a player (such as dissent), or for an offside offence. A free kick may be taken in any direction (this does not apply to penalty kicks where the ball must travel forwards.)

RESTARTS WITHIN THE GOAL AREA

Special rules in Law 8 govern free kick restarts within the goal area:

• A free kick awarded to the defending team inside its own goal area can be taken from any point within the goal area.

• An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents' goal area, is taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. (This is actually advantageous to the attacking team, as they have more room to take the kick.)

• A dropped ball to restart the match after play has been temporarily stopped inside the goal area, takes place on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped

STOPPAGE FOR MISCONDUCT                       Go to top of this page

If play is stopped solely to deal with misconduct occurring away from the play action committed by a player on the field of play, the indirect free kick restart is taken from the place where the misconduct occurred.

If the Referee decides to apply an advantage to the opposing team and then subsequently stops play to administer a Caution when the advantage does not accrue - the indirect free kick restart must be taken from the place where the original misconduct (foul) occurred.

There are a number of factors to consider in a very short time scale, when awarding a free kick.

Firstly, the Referee has to identify that a foul has been committed (or not): He has to decide instantly what to do: Which team to award the kick to? Is it direct or indirect? Where should the kick be taken from? Do players have to wait for the Referee before taking the kick? Can the ball be kicked directly into goal without touching another player? How far away should opponents be from the ball? Where should the Referee stand? Should he move away? Should he organise the free kick? What should he do? When should he do it?: Can he do it?: Is it within the Laws?: etc. etc....

When you analyse exactly what the Referee needs to do within a matter of seconds, it becomes quite daunting. Thankfully, the human brain makes most of these decisions automatically  - and of course, Refereeing experience will ease the pressure.

Many different factors can effect the taking of a free kick - the position of the ball, the type of foul, the position of the opponents and the kicker's team-mates and very often the involvement of the Referee. Referees must therefore be organised and anticipate play to enable them to react appropriately to each new situation.

When a Referee blows his whistle to indicate that an offence has been committed, the first thing that he must do, is to indicate which team has been awarded the free kick. However, most fouls are plainly obvious - and no direction signals from the Referee are required, and play should be allowed to restart naturally. An indirect free kick should be indicated by the Referee by putting one arm straight up in the air (as shown below) and holding it there until the indirect free kick has been taken properly, and the ball either touches another player (other than the kicker) or goes directly out of play. This is the only hand signal within the Laws that a Referee is required to make during any type of free kick. Players should be educated to recognise and understand the indirect free kick signal. If the arm is not up, then it is a normally (but not necessarily) a direct free kick and the kicker can score a goal directly without the ball having to touch another player.

Defensive players need to know how, where and when to set walls; how far to retreat; whether to mark opponents or to defend zonally. Normally, defensive walls are lined up within the prescribed 9.15m (10 yards) distance. If the proper distance is not observed, the Referee will need to shepherd the wall backwards. If a defensive wall fails to retire the correct distance 9.15m (10 yards) away from the free kick, the Referee can caution all of the defending players within the wall.  But in reality, the Referee will usually only caution the defending player who is nearest to the ball. Goalkeepers sometimes get involved by indicating how many defensive players are required in the wall, and exactly where the wall should be positioned. The Referee needs to be aware of all these facets and more when controlling players during the taking of a free kick. Conversely, teams must be allowed to take quick free kicks if they want.

Very often, a defender outside of his penalty area, will hit a free kick back to his goalkeeper, and occasionally the ball may be stuck too hard, causing the ball to enter directly into the player's own goal. In this case, the Referee should award a corner kick to the opposition, because the Laws state that you cannot score directly from a free kick of any type, directly into your own goal.

During the taking of a free kick, tactical manoeuvres designed to deceive opponents, and feints are acceptable (as they would be in normal play) providing that the action is not blatantly unsporting.

The lines of the penalty area are part of the penalty area itself. A direct free kick offence committed by a defender on his own penalty area line itself - is a in fact a penalty.

Considering the variety of free kicks that can take place in a game, the Referee's position can vary greatly. Below are some positioning tips:

(a) Always try and keep the players involved in free kicks, and your Assistant Referees in view at all times.

(b) You do not necessarily have to 'be on the spot' to organise every free kick. But you will need to be in close proximity to prevent any retaliatory after-effects following a 'crunching' foul tackle.

(c) The nearer the free kick gets to the goal, the more you (the Referee) may need to manage the free kick restart.

(d) During a 'ceremonial' free kick taken near the goal, the Referee should stand out wide from the wall, between the wall and the goal line, thus giving a good view of the wall, goal, players and the Assistant Referee.

(e) Do not turn your back on players involved with the taking of a free kick.

(f) Do not physically push back players in a defending wall. Use your voice, whistle and hand/arm signals to shepherd them back..

(g) Aim to be near the ball drop zone, following a 'lofted' free kick that travels some distance. This way, you can look out for fouls committed whilst players are battling for possession. Try and get a sideways view of the drop zone.

(h) Do not stand too near the goal posts during the taking of a free kick - any deflection off the Referee and into the goal could be embarrassing. If this does happen, then the goal counts - because the Referee is deemed to be part of the field of play.

(i) The Assistant Referee normally looks for offsides, but can be asked by the Referee to be goal judge instead, when free kicks are taken near the goal.

 

See my Positioning Page for full details of all Referee positions on the Field of Play

"Advice on how to manage a ceremonial free kick",

The Referee is not obliged to prolong a free kick taken near the goal area - so there is nothing to stop a team taking a quick free kick. This gives the advantage to the attacking team. There is also no obligation (unless he specifically tells the players to await his signal) for the Referee to blow his whistle before a free kick can take place.

If the attacking team 'plays on' immediately, irrespective of whether the defending team is within 9.15m (10 yards) or not, then play must be allowed to continue. If the move does not materialise, and the attacking team then complain that the defenders were not 9.15m (10 yards)  away, it would be grossly unfair under such circumstances to allow the attacking team to have two chances at the free kick, just because their quick free kick did not prove fruitful!  If the attacking team wants to take a quick free kick, then they cannot expect the Referee to provide them with the ten yards' distance. If the result of the quick free kick is a goal, then this should be allowed to stand - so long as no infringements to the Laws have occurred.

To prevent any problems in free kick situations near to the goal, the Referee should (if he can) ask the attacking team if they want to take a quick free kick or not. If they do, then play should be allowed to start at any time. If the attacking team do not want to take a quick free kick, then the Referee must instruct them to wait for his whistle - and this must be enforced. This way, the Referee can move to his position and control the distance of the wall from the ball before the free kick is taken. If the free kick is then taken before the Referee has signalled by blowing his whistle and a goal is scored, then bad luck for the attacking team. The goal must be disallowed and the free kick retaken. There can be no other decision.

The intention is to give the initiative to the attacking side by allowing them to take a free-kick without needing to wait for the referee's whistle - unless they request the wall be moved back. The initiative must always be with the attacking side, the team that have been offended against. They are perfectly entitled to take a quick free-kick and Referees are actively encouraged to keep the game moving in that respect. 

"A Free Kick is the privilege of Kicking the Ball, without obstruction, in any manner the Kicker may think fit."

The 1863 FA Law principal above remains the same today. When a free kick is awarded to the attacking team near to their opponents' penalty area, the referee has several options:

Quick Free Kicks belong to the players. Ceremonial Free Kicks belong to the referee.

1. Do nothing and allow the free kick to be taken quickly or within a reasonable amount of time.
2. Instruct opposing players to retreat the required distance as the free kick is being set-up, and await commencement without further involvement.
3. Ask the attacking team if they require the opposing players and/or defensive wall to be correctly positioned prior to the free kick taking place. If the referee receives confirmation, that the attacking team wish to take a quick free kick, the referee should ask encroaching players to move away from the ball. The referee is not required to blow his whistle, merely to allow the attacking team to proceed when they are ready. The referee is also not required to step away from the centre of the incident. In short - if the attacking players do not require the referee's involvement, he will simply allow them to get on with it.
4. If the attacking team ask for the opposing players to be positioned correctly, the referee should take charge of the situation and conduct what is commonly known as a ceremonial free kick. Then the referee will manage the free kick and ensure that all defending players are at least 9.15 metres from the ball before play is restarted.
5. Because of the near presence of opposing players, the attacking team are unable to take a quick free kick. In this case, the Referee can manage the situation by insisting that play is only restarted on his signal.
6. If there is an injury to be dealt with, or when a caution or a sending-off is being issued; or it is obvious that a quick free kick is not desirable for any other reason, then the Referee will manage the situation; and play will be restarted only upon receipt of his signal.

The former three options belong to the players. The latter three options belong to the referee.

Whilst referees will offer every advantage to the offended side, and give them the opportunity for a quick free kick to maximise every opportunity to score a goal, they should also do nothing that that could possibly mislead the defending team. It is very easy for the action of a referee to communicate the wrong message to the defending team, into thinking that a ceremonial free kick is taking place, when instead, the attacking team are preparing to take a quick free kick (which can easily result in a goal being scored). If a quick free kick has been requested, referees should think carefully about their body language. Standing in front of the ball, or raising their whistle high when asking the attacking team what they require, is perhaps not the best thing to do! If the attacking team require the referee's involvement, it is then, that such actions can be used to communicate to 'both' teams, that play is only to be restarted on the referee's signal.

Whilst the advantage should always be with the team taking the free kick, the Referee (when managing a 'ceremonial'; free kick), should also be very careful that his body language, does not give the wrong message to the defending team. Some bad examples of Referee body language are as follows: 

• Standing in front of the ball: 

• Facing the free kick taker with back towards the defending team.

• Making any kind of movement with his whistle before a decision has been made by the attacking team:

The defending team can understandably see any one of these actions, as a prelude to a 'ceremonial' free kick taking place.

2. Types of Free Kicks:                       Go to top of this page

Free kicks are either direct or indirect.

For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker must not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched another player.

A team could gain an unfair advantage if they are allowed to kick a moving ball - it could also confuse the opposition who are understandably waiting for the ball to be stationary before the free kick is taken. For further details about touching the ball a second time, click here:

3. The Direct Free Kick:                        Go to top of this page

• if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents' goal, a goal is awarded

• if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal, after the ball is in play, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team

A direct free kick enables a goal to be scored directly into an opponent's goal, without the ball having to be touched by another player.

4. The Indirect Free Kick:                     Go to top of this page

Referee's Signal

The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head. He maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player or goes out of play. Players will very often ask the Referee what type of free kick he has awarded. Let players know whether the kick is direct of indirect - this helps to avoid any misunderstandings that may arise.

Ball Enters the Goal

A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal.

• if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents' goal, a goal kick is awarded

• if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal, after the ball is in play, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team

5. Position of Free Kick:                    Go to top of this page

Free Kick Inside the Penalty Area

Direct or indirect free kick to the defending team:

• all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) away from the ball

 

When a free kick is awarded to a defending team within its own penalty area, the minimum 9.15m (10 yards) distance for opponents applies to all directions around the location of the free kick position. Opponents must also remain outside of the penalty area and at least 9.15m (10 yards) away until the ball has come into play by leaving the penalty area.

A free kick taken by the defending team from within its own penalty area must travel outside of the penalty area before it is deemed, to be 'in-play'.

• all opponents must remain outside of the penalty area until the ball is in play

Attacking players must be at least 9.15m (10 yards) away from the free kick, and they must also be outside of the penalty area. Defending players are permitted to stand inside their own penalty area whilst a free kick by their team is taking place - but they must be outside of the penalty area before they are permitted to touch the ball passed to them by a colleague from within their penalty area. If an attacker encroaches into the penalty area before the a ball has left the penalty area, the kick should be retaken - unless the defending team have gained an advantage by moving the ball forwards, and would gain no advantage by the Referee insisting on retaking the kick. In this case, the Referee is advised to allow play to continue to the defenders advantage.

• the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area

 

If play is stopped due to an infringement before the ball has come into play by leaving the penalty area, the game must be restarted with the original free kick to be retaken inside the penalty area.

• a free kick awarded in the goal area can be taken from any point inside that goal area

If a defender commits a penal offence within his own penalty area, then a penalty should be awarded. A direct free kick awarded to an attacker in the defenders penalty area is a penalty !

Referees should restart play as soon as possible after awarding a free kick - there should be no undue delay.

6. Indirect Free Kick to the Attacking Team:        Go to top of this page

Indirect free kick offences are also known as 'non-penal offences' or ‘technical offences’ in Referees’ jargon.

If two offences are committed at the same time, you must punish the more serious offence.

Example: A player obstructs an opponent at the same time as deliberately elbowing the opponent the face. The obstruction warrants an indirect free kick, but the elbowing is a penal offence that warrants a direct free kick AND A SENDING-OFF.

• all opponents must be at least 9.15m (10 yards) away in all directions from the ball until it is in play, unless they are on their own goal line between the goal posts.

For example, if an indirect free kick is awarded against a defender less than 9.15m (10 yards) from his goal line (the infringement/foul could have occurred just outside or inside his own goal area) the defending team's players must be at least 9.15m (10 yards) away, or at least on the goal line before the kick can be taken. If the attacking team decide to take a quick free kick - Referees' should use their discretion as to whether or not the free kick should be retaken or whether the defending players should be cautioned for failing to retreat the required distance. Defenders should be allowed a reasonable time to move back onto the goal line before the kick is taken. If the attacking team takes a quick free kick and the defending team has not had a reasonable time to retreat and the ball subsequently hits a defender and is cleared away from the danger area - the attacking team can not be expected to be allowed to retake the free kick. The fact that the attacking team took the quick free kick, is because they tried to gain an advantage. If that advantage did not accrue, they should not then be given a second chance. Conversely, if the attacking team decide to take a quick indirect free kick before the defenders have had a chance to retreat the required distance and the ball deflects off a player and a goal is scored - in theory, the goal should stand. As you can see above, a Referee can get into all sorts of difficulties with the taking of an indirect free kick near the goal line.

 

BUT

 

(Lord Millner 1854-1925 26 Nov 1909 Speech in The Times 27 Nov 1909)

In other words, take full control of the situation, especially where free kicks take place very near to the goal, and when you can, do not allow the kick to be taken until you have clearly signalled with your whistle. The Referee is there to help facilitate the taking of free kicks (if help is required) and he would be within his legal rights to sanction any player who does anything to delay or harass the player taking the free kick.

"it is our duty to try and prevent it" (trouble)

Let the players know that any 'ceremonial' free kicks must not take place until you have signalled. Stand in front of the ball, talk to them, organise the defending wall, prevent opponents from throwing handbags at each other, hold your whistle up to show players that you will signal when the kick can take place - in short, take full control of the situation. This will prevent all sorts of problems arising should you leave players to organise 'ceremonial' type free kicks themselves.

• the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves

 

The distance moved is immaterial and can be minimal. The kicker need only slightly kick the ball with his foot - as long as the ball moves - it is deemed to be in play. However, under such circumstances, the Referee must decide whether any particular touch on the ball and subsequent movement was indeed reasonably taken with the intention of putting the ball into play rather than with the intention merely to reposition the ball for the restart. If the player taking the free kick accidentally moves the ball with his foot, the kick should be retaken. The exception to this is if free kick is taking place within a team's own penalty area, where the ball must wholly cross outside of the penalty area before it is deemed to be in-play (i.e. the slight movement of the ball here is irrelevant - it needs to travel outside of the penalty area before it comes back into play).

In the past, a ball was not deemed in play until it had been kicked and rolled the full distance of its circumference. Nowadays, the ball is in play immediately after it has been kicked and moves (and/or has travelled outside of the kicking team's own penalty area). The Referee (and the players) must judge when the kicker has actually kicked the ball into play. Players can be very cunning when taking free kicks. They will try all sorts of tricks to mislead the defending team. Kickers sometimes move the ball slightly - is it just to reposition the ball ? or is it a subtle ploy to distract the defending team ?
Any movement of the ball after it has been kicked can be considered valid - and will release the defenders from their restraining lines with the Referee's permission. Positioning or bringing the ball to a stop with the hand(s) is probably the best way the attacking team can ensure that it does not infringe the Laws during the positioning and repositioning of the ball before a free kick.

The Laws covering the taking of free kicks are written to encourage continuous game flow within a minimal stoppage time - and Referees must encourage players to 'get on with it'. And the advantage should always be with the attacking team.

• an indirect free kick awarded inside the goal area is taken from that part of the goal area line that runs parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred                           
  Go to top of this page

All opponents must be at least ten yards away in all directions from the location of the free kick. Exceptions to the required 9.15m (10 yards) distance are (a) when a free kick has been awarded against defenders inside their own goal area. (b) When a team decides to take a quick free kick). Referees should use discretion in cautioning for any infringements.

An attacker who has been asked by the Referee to await for his free kick restart signal, and who then restarts play without waiting for the signal should be strongly and verbally warned - if he does it again, the Referee can consider cautioning him for unsporting behaviour. The free kick should be retaken in this instance.

REFEREES SIGNAL FOR INDIRECT FREE KICK                   Go to top of this page

The Referee's signal indicating an indirect free kick, is an upwards outstretched arm. Hold the arm in this position until the ball is touched by another player (not the kicker), or the ball goes directly out of play. Most players do not have a clue what this signal demonstrates. If the indirect free kick is near the goal, I invariably shout to the goalkeeper "Indirect Keeper".

The failure of a Referee to give the correct signal (upraised and outstretched arm) for an indirect free kick or to hold the correct signal for a required period of time does not mean that the indirect free kick becomes a direct free kick - neither does it negate the requirement for a subsequent touch of the ball by another player before a goal can be legally scored from an indirect free kick.

7. Free Kick Outside the Penalty Area:       Go to top of this page

• all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) away from the ball until it is in play

'Encroaching' is the term used when defending players move towards the free kick position and enter the 10 yard exclusion zone.

Defenders can gain a considerable advantage by standing less than the required 9.15m (10 yards) away - especially if the free kick is near the goal, where any encroachment by players will greatly reduce the amount of goal directly visible to a free kick taker. The Referee needs to ensure that defenders have retreated the correct distance, and that they stay there until the ball is back in play. One way of doing this, is to pace-out the required distance. Beware of the defensive wall which slowly encroaches back, after it has been positioned correctly. Any players who continue to encroach must be cautioned. The Referee is well within his rights to caution all the defending players in an encroaching wall - but normally he will only caution the one defender who has encroached the most. Do not turn your back on players involved with a free kick. Very often, the attacking team will place their own attacking players in or near a wall, to hassle defenders, with the aim of causing the wall to breach and give the kicker a direct shooting line at goal.

The act of encroaching at free kicks is growing. Unpunished creeping encroachment can be seen in nearly every televised top level game. The Law concerning encroachment is not ‘rocket science’ to understand and implement…."all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) away from the ball until it is in play".

Referees are encouraged to ignore the bad examples witnessed on the television, and ensure that free kicks are taken properly, and the perpetrators dealt with as necessary. One easy way to achieve this, is for Referees to take charge of the very first free kick of a game (and the first one of the second half) and to openly INSIST that the 9.15 m (10 yds) distance is adhered to. Referees should do this again for the second free kick. Imparting his early message to players should lessen encroaching problems during the rest of the game. If on the third occasion a player encroaches, the Referee should – IMMEDIATELY show him the yellow card. This will probably be the only yellow card the Referee will have to show for encroachment during the rest of the game!

One final thought – it must be appreciated, that if encroachment occurs, but it does not effect the outcome or execution of the free kick, it is not necessary for the Referee to insist that the free kick be retaken. The Referee can (if he wants to) caution the encroaching player at the next suitable stoppage in play.

A Referee should normally give a clear signal for the commencement of free kicks, particularly those taken near the penalty area. These types of organised free kicks are sometimes known as 'ceremonial' free kicks. This is where the Referee allows both teams time to position themselves before signalling for the free kick to begin. If the free kick is taken in the middle of the field, it is not necessary to always blow your whistle to signal restart of play. Over-use of the whistle in these situations will only serve to distract players, and will eventually lessen the 'whistle's' impact power when you need to blow it later on in the game for a serious offence. A whistle signal may not be needed at all, to indicate a free kick - in this case, just shout "Play on" to ensure that all the players know that the game has restarted. This also helps to improve the flow of the game.

• the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves

• the free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred

The Referee should try to move quickly out of the way as soon as he has indicated the approximate area of the restart. The Referee would not normally interfere with the kicking team's right to take a quick free kick. The aim is to offer help if asked for.

Quick Free Kick - in cases where the free kick is quickly taken by the attacking team:

If an attacking team decides to take a quick free kick, and the ball hits a defending player who has not retired the required distance - the Referee will need to make a judgement - irrespective of which team subsequently gains possession of the ball.

(a) If the ball hits a defending player who has not had a reasonable time to retreat the required distance, and the defender was in the process of retreating, then allow play to continue - irrespective of which team gains possession of the ball. Raise your arms and shout "Play on".

(b) If the ball hits a defending player who has made little or no attempt to retreat the required distance - then the kick should normally be retaken. Blow your whistle loudly to stop play. You can consider cautioning the defender depending on the severity of the offence.

(c) If the ball hits a defending player who has made little or no attempt to retreat the required distance - and the ball subsequently falls to the advantage of the team taking the kick - raise your arms and shout "Play on".

8. Infringements and Sanctions:                  Go to top of this page

If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance:

• the kick is retaken

If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty area, the ball is not kicked directly into play: (Normally, during free kicks, the ball comes into play when it is kicked and moves. But during kicks taken by the defending team inside its own penalty area, the ball only comes into play when it leaves the defending team's penalty area.)

• the kick is retaken

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

• an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team

A player who restarts play by a free kick of any description, must not play the ball a second time - once the ball comes into play - and before the ball is touched by another player. If this occurs during the taking of a free kick, then an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team - the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

• a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (Exception - a free kick awarded to the defending team inside its own goal area can be taken from any point within their goal area.)

• a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker's penalty area

Free kick taken by the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with his hands), before it has touched another player:

• an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred
  (Exception - an indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents' goal area, is taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.)

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

• a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred

• an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred
  (Exception - an indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents' goal area, is taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.

There is frequently far too much time wasted in the preparing and taking free kicks, especially when the winning team is endeavouring to play-out time and win the game. Players can resort to all sorts of time wasting tricks, a few of which are listed below:

(a) Kicking the ball away when a free kick has been awarded against them.

(b) Standing over the ball or in front of the ball to delay the taking of a free kick.

(c) Discussing the game action with the Referee.

(d) Tying up boot laces.

(e) Unduly giving orders to colleagues.

(f) Deciding amongst each other, exactly who should take the free kick.

(g) Repositioning the ball.

(h) Pointing at the wall, and insisting to the Referee that the wall is not positioned correctly 10 yards away.

9. Questions and Answers:                Go to top of this page

Additional Questions and Answers provided by FIFA covering all of the Laws of the game, can be found on this web site here. The original FIFA Questions and Answers pdf file can be downloaded from the FIFA web site here.

Quick Free Kick Type Questions.

Question 1: As a defending team is positioning their wall in accordance to their goalkeeper's instruction, the attacking team quickly take their direct free kick and score a goal. Should the Referee allow the goal, or should he insist on the free kick being retaken ?

Answer 1: The goal should be allowed.  A team taking a quick free kick has not committed any offence, and the goal is therefore legal. The advantage must always be with the attacking (non-offending) team. There is no mention in the law about a quick free kick. Referees should offer every advantage to the attacking side, and give them the opportunity for a quick free kick to maximise every opportunity to score a goal. If the attacking players ask for a quick free kick, the Referee will allow them to get on with it. The Referee is also not required to step away from the centre of the incident. Neither is he required to blow his whistle, merely to signal to the attacking team to continue.

If the attacking team ask for the defensive wall to be correctly positioned, then the Referee will manage the free kick (commonly know as a ceremonial free kick) and ensure that all defending players are at least 9.15 metres from the ball before play is restarted. Holding the whistle aloft is a good way of demonstrating to both teams that they must await the Referee's signal before a 'ceremonial' free kick can be taken. 

Whatever decision is taken by the attacking team (quick free kick or not?), the Referee should be very careful not to depict any body language that could possibly mislead the defending team into thinking that a ceremonial free kick is about to take place. 

Question 2: What happens if the attacking team want a quick free kick near the goal, but delay the taking it themselves to the point where the defending team think that there is going to be a whistle so therefore 'switch off,' to arrange their wall, and the attacking team then take the kick?... In other words how long do they get before the Referee now says "Wait for the whistle"?

Answer 2: How long is a piece of string?

The old Law 18 Common sense kicks in here. Like any other restart, the Referee should allow a reasonable amount of time. This situation is very unlikely to happen, but if the defending team switch off, then tough luck. They will not do it another time. The advantage stays with the attacking team, because they were the team offended against. It is no different to a free kick on the halfway line – the Referee does not wait until all the defenders are in place, and neither do the attacking team.

If this ever does happen, and there is an undue delay with the ‘quick’ free kick, the safest and easiest thing for the Referee to do is to blow his whistle indicating that the kick can be taken. This way, only those players with cloth in their ears will miss it. The Referee is not obliged to signal the start of a free kick.

Notwithstanding all of the above, if I ever had the slightest hint that an attacking team was purposefully delaying a so called ‘quick’ free kick (after I had given them permission) with the aim of confusing the defending team in the hope that the goalkeeper or wall are out of position, then I would certainly blow my whistle very hard PEEP PEEEP PEEEEP PEEEEEP PEEEEEEP to stop the kick taking place – because this gamesmanship by the attacking team is definitely against the spirit of the game. I would then insist on a ‘ceremonial’ free kick taking place, whereby both the defending and attacking team do not commence play until all the players have positioned themselves, and I have signalled for the free kick to begin.
(Webmaster Julian Carosi)

Question 3: I awarded a direct free kick just outside of the penalty area, and told the taker to wait for my whistle signal as he had asked me to insure that the defensive wall was at the correct distance. As I was getting the wall 10 metres back, the kicker took the direct free kick. The ball hit the wall, rebounded and went out for a throw in. I awarded a retake of the kick, but some of the defence weren't happy (understandably). What should I have done?

Answer 3: A team can take a quick free kick if they want. You can ASK (not TELL) the kicker if he wants you to get the wall back 9.15m (10 yards). The kicker can also ask you, as he did in your scenario. If he says yes, then you should make it abundantly clear to the kicker (and anyone else standing around) that he must wait for your signal. You do this by making an exaggerated show of holding your whistle up and speaking to the player, thus indicating to him and to as many other players as possible, that that the kicker must await your signal. Thus, if you indicate to the person taking the free kick, that he must wait AND HE DOESN’T, you can order a retake without to much trouble. If he does take the kick before you indicate, then it should be retaken. The trouble with this procedure, it must be done whole-heartedly. If only half a job is done, then this is where you will get problems.

Sounds like you did OK. But maybe, you could make your whistle indication before the kick is taken, a little bit stronger?

Question 4:  A defender commits a foul on the edge of his penalty area. The Referee asks the attacking team if they would like to take the free kick quickly, or if they would like him to ensure that all the opponents move back the required 9.15 metres. The attacking team asks the Referee to ensure that the opponents are the correct distance away. The Referee makes it abundantly clear, that the attacking team must therefore await his signal before taking the free kick.

Question 8: An attacking player is penalised for being offside near the touchline. The defending team place the ball some 10 yards away to the side of the attacking player's offside position. The defending team take the indirect free kick, and the Referee allows play to continue. Later on in the game, the Referee insists on the ball being placed on the exact spot where a foul had been committed. Why is the Referee so inconsistent with his interpretation on the positioning of the ball prior to a free kick being taken.?

Answer 8: Tricky one this ! A Referee can not be expected to remember the exact precise position of every free kick.

In the first case involving the offside offence - the restart was taken some 9.15m (10 yards) away. The Referee needs to balance the following two points.

(a) Did the defending team gain an undue advantage by taking the free kick 9.15m (10 yards) away ? and

(b) Would the repositioning of the ball in the correct position greatly delay the restart of the game.

If the defending team had gained a clear advantage by taking the kick 9.15m (10 yards) away, then the Referee has no choice but to order the kick to be retaken from the correct spot. If no clear advantage had been gained - allow the game to continue. This increases the flow and enjoyment of the game.

Secondly - the positioning of the ball at a free kick can depend on which area of the field the kick is being taken from. You can allow a degree of flexibility as to the placement of the ball, if the free kick is being taken on the half way line, but you will need to be more precise the nearer the free kick position gets towards the goal. You are between the 'Devil and the Deep Blue Sea' when allowing leeway during free kicks . The defending team will berate you for not allowing them a few extra seconds gained in repositioning the ball to the exact offence location. And the attacking team will berate you for being too fussy in the positioning of the ball - and will accuse you of spoiling the flow of the game. One piece of general advice to new Referees', is do not be over-fussy in the placement of the ball prior to a free kick being taken. Constantly insisting on the ball being in the exact position is probably one of the easiest ways to upset players and spoil the game. The only exception to this, is when the free kick is awarded within easy striking distance of the goal. In this instance, you need to ensure that the attacking team take the free kick from the correct place. Attackers have all sorts of tricks to enable them to gain a couple of yards, or a better shooting angle, before placing the ball in readiness to take their kick.

Question 9: After placing the ball down for a free kick, a player rolls the ball sideways with his foot to place the ball in a better position on top of a tuft of grass. The defenders in the wall (assuming that the free kick has now taken place) run towards the ball, and kick it up field out of the danger area. Should the Referee allow play to continue or should the kick be retaken ?

Question 9: The attacking player should consider repositioning the ball with his hands. The Referee needs to apply some common-sense here. Players will very often reposition the ball on a slightly raised area of the grass. Normally this is not done deliberately to try and widen the angle towards goal, or to cheat the opposition. If the Referee decides that the movement was minimal and not done purposefully to gain an advantage, he should allow the kick to continue, but only after allowing any defensive wall to readjust its position. The Referee should apply a degree of tolerance and common sense when sanctioning positioning of the ball prior to a free kick being taken -so long as it does not give the kicking team an unfair advantage.

Question 10: How long should a Referee keep his arm up following the taking of a direct free kick.

Answer 10: The Referee should not put his arm up at all during the taking of a direct free kick. The raised arm only applies to indirect free kicks.

All right 'clever clogs', let's try again...................

Question 11: How long should a Referee keep his arm up following the taking of an indirect free kick.

Answer 11: Until the ball has touched another player (not the kicker), or until the ball goes directly out of play (example, for a goal kick or throw-in.)

Question 12: Following a deliberate back pass by a team-mate to his goalkeeper, the goalkeeper who is standing on his goal line between the goal posts, handles the ball. The Referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team and tells them to await his signal before taking the free kick. The ball is placed correctly on the 5.5m (6 yard) goal area line in readiness for the free kick. The defending team line up a wall on the goal line. An attacking team player kicks the ball sideways to allow his colleague to blast the ball towards goal. A defender, who happens to be stood 5 metres behind the original free kick position of the ball, anticipates this action and intercepts the ball before it is kicked towards goal. The Referee stops play and orders the free kick to be retaken. Why ?

Answer 12: In situations very near the goal like this, the Referee is advised to always take charge of organising and signalling the start of the free kick. The defender that came from behind to intercept the ball, had not retired the proper distance 9.15m (10 yards) away from the free kick position. Although the attackers were probably not aware of the defenders starting position, the attacking team should be allowed to retake the kick. The defender in this case, had failed to retreat the required distance and could be 'cautioned'. The Referee should have been more vigilant, and should have dealt with the encroaching defender before allowing the free kick to take place. But this is not always easy to do - as players area constantly moving about. Had the attacking team scored a goal in this move, then the goal should be allowed to count.

Question 13: Having received the Referee's permission/signal, an attacker proceeds to take a quick free kick. In his haste, the attacker kicks the ball directly over the touch line. The kicker alleges that he was distracted by the close presence of an opponent who was only 3 metres away. What action should the Referee take ?

Answer 13: The Referee should award a throw-in to the opposing side. When a quick free kick is taken, the kicker must accept that he runs the risk of the ball deflecting off an opponent or of being distracted - the kicker can not expect to be given another chance for a hasty mistake made whilst trying to gain a fair advantage.

Question 14: Following the taking of an indirect free kick inside the defending team's penalty area. The ball is deflected from a defending team player who is lined up on the goal line, and into the goal. Because the ball did not touch a second attacker, is this goal legal ?

Answer 14: Yes. A goal may be scored from an indirect free kick, so long as the ball has touched a second player, regardless of which team that player belongs to.

Question 15: Before an indirect free kick has taken place, the attacking kicker head butts a defending opponent. What action should the Referee take, and how should he restart the game.

Answer 15: The Referee should send-off the attacking kicker for Violent Conduct. As the free kick had not actually taken place, the game is restarted by the taking of the original indirect free kick awarded to the attacking kickers side.
(Comment: Considering the nature of the incident, it's a pity that the Referee does not have any powers to reverse the free kick, and give it against the attacking kickers side.)

Question 16: A defender kicks a high ball that is very near an attacker's face. The Referee awards an indirect free kick (for dangerous play) to the attacking side. The attacker quickly kicks the ball directly into the defenders goal without the ball having touching another player. The Referee overrules the goal and awards the defending team a goal kick instead. Was this action correct?

Answer 16: Although the Referee did not have time to raise his arm to indicate the indirect free kick, it can be argued that he did not provide the defending team enough time to defend the free kick - but he has no obligation to do this. Unfortunately, there is little the attacking team can do about it, except accept the decision. A goal cannot be scored direct from an indirect free kick.

Question 17: During the taking of a free kick, the kicker touches the ball a second time with his foot, before the ball has been touched by another player. What should the Referee do ?

Answer 17: Provided that the ball has actually been kicked and moved and has therefore come into play, the opposing side should be awarded an indirect free kick from the position that the kicker made contact with the ball a second time. (an exception to this is when an indirect free kick is taken inside the kicker's own penalty area - the ball does not come into play until it leaves the penalty area. In this case, if the kicker touched the ball a second time before the ball had left the penalty area, the kick should be retaken by the same team. If the ball leaves the penalty area, and the kicker then touches it a second time before another player, then an indirect free kick must be awarded to the opposing team from the position outside the penalty area where the kicker made contact with the ball a second time.

Question 18: During the taking of a quick indirect free kick, the ball deflects off the Referee as he is trying to move out of the way, and goes directly into the goal. Because the ball has touched the Referee, is the goal legal ?

Answer 18: No. A goal cannot be scored direct from an indirect free kick.

The ball must touch another player, and the Referee is certainly not another player. The Referee and the Assistant Referees are seen as part of the field of play.

Question 19: During the taking of a quick indirect free kick, the ball hits the Referee who is standing close by, and is touched a second time by the kicker. Should the Referee take any action?

Answer 19: Yes. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can touch it again, and the Referee is certainly not another player. The Referee must award an indirect free kick to the opposing team.

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Question 20: Play is stopped by the Referee when an attacking player pushes a defender standing inside his (the defender's) goal area. In readiness for the free kick, the ball is placed on the opposite side of the goal area from where the foul was committed. Is this legal ?

Answer 20: Yes: A free kick awarded to the defending team inside its own goal area can be taken from any point within the goal area.

Question 21: Before the taking of an indirect free kick to an attacking team near their opponent's goal, the defending goalkeeper protests to the Referee that an attacker is standing directly in front of him, thus obscuring the goalkeepers vision. Should the Referee take any action.

Answer 21: No. So long as the opponent is not actually interfering, obstructing or impeding the goalkeeper, the opponent is just as entitled as the goalkeeper in standing where he likes. (so long as it is within the limitations of the Laws.) But don't forget the offside Law!

Question 22: A goalkeeper weakly kicks a free kick awarded to him in his penalty area. An attacker who is close by, anticipates this mistake, and runs towards the ball. The goalkeeper runs up to the ball and kicks it again before the ball has left the penalty area. The Referee orders the free kick to be retaken. Since the goalkeeper has touched the ball a second time, shouldn't the opposition get an indirect free kick ?

Answer 22: During the taking of a free kick within the kicker's own penalty area, the ball does not come back into play until it leaves the penalty area. Since the ball never left the penalty area, it was never deemed to be in play. The kick should be retaken. If the goalkeeper purposefully repeats this, with the clear aim of wasting time, then he should be 'cautioned'.

Question 23: A defender has been awarded a free kick just outside of his penalty area. The defender quickly back-heels the ball to his goalkeeper, who unbeknowingly to the defender, is lying injured on the floor. Realising that the ball is about to enter the goal, the defender runs back into the penalty area and slices the ball which ricochets into the goal. Is this a legal goal, and what action should the Referee take:

Answer 23: The Referee should award an indirect free kick to the opposition at the position where the defender touched the ball a second time. A goal can not be scored directly into your own goal from a free kick of any type. If the ball had entered the goal without anyone else touching it, then the Referee should award a corner kick to the opposition.

Note: An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents' goal area, is taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.

(Comment: Of course, a good Referee would have quickly stopped the game to allow treatment to the goalkeeper - thus preventing any complications that can arise in situations of this nature.)

Question 24: What should be awarded if a defender strikes a direct free kick into his own net?

Answer 24: A goal cannot be scored direct from any free kick into your own goal. If the kick was taken inside your own penalty area, the kick should be retaken, because the ball had not yet come into play by leaving the penalty area.
If the kick was taken outside of the penalty area, the restart is a corner kick to the opposing team.

Question 25: When a free kick is awarded and the ball is put in the correct place, do players have to wait for the Referee's whistle before they can proceed?

Question 26: All the defenders are properly lined up at the stipulated distance of 9.75m. (10 yards). The referee signals for the free-kick to be taken and the attackers (three for instance) apply tactics devised to break up the defensive wall. Very quickly the first attacker runs over the ball without touching it, a second attacker does exactly the same immediately after, which has the effect of making one or two of the defenders move forward, whereupon the third attacker kicks the ball which is parried by one of the defenders who is no longer at the stipulated distance. Should the Referee consider that, by employing these tactics, the attacking players took the risk of playing for a surprise and allow play to continue without intervening? Or, on the contrary, for this particular case, should he intervene by cautioning the defending players for approaching before the ball had travelled the distance of its own circumference and have the free-kick repeated?

Answer 26: The free-kick carried out in this manner is correct and the players who have formed a wall at 9.15m distance from the ball must not come forward. The referee could have the free-kick retaken if the ball struck one of the players who had advanced from the wall and thus failed to adhere to the stipulated distance before the ball had travelled the distance of its circumference or he could choose to allow advantage to the attacking team. The player or players guilty of encroachment should be cautioned. (FIFA)

Question 27: A defending player deliberately passes a ball to his goalkeeper. The goalkeeper accidentally kicks the ball into his own goal.  Is this considered a goal for the attacking team, or not?

Answer 27: It all depends?
If the ball was already in play then the goal counts because no infringement of the Laws has occurred. If a colleague deliberately passes the ball back to his goalkeeper, the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with his feet without being penalised. If the goalkeeper makes a 'hash' of things and deflects the ball by kicking it (or handling it) into his own goal, then the goal counts. If the goalkeeper handles the ball from a back-pass, and prevents a goal being scored, then he will be 'cautioned' and the restart will be an indirect free kick at the place where he handled the ball. If he handled the ball in his goal area, then the indirect free kick restart takes place on the long goal area line parallel to where the incident took place.
But see below:..............................................
If a direct free kick (or an indirect free kick) is taken by the defending team inside their own penalty area, and the ball is kicked direct (or if it  deflects off - or is kicked - by another player such as the goalkeeper) and goes into the goal before it has left the penalty area - then the goal does not count. During the taking of a free kick by a defending team inside their own penalty area (and during any goal kick), the ball does not come into play until it has travelled wholly outside of the defenders' penalty area.
So..... because the ball has not come into play (i.e. it has not left the defenders penalty area), the free kick (or goal kick) must be retaken.
Easy isn't it!!

Question 28: During the taking of a free kick, and after the Referee has signalled that the kick can commence, a player from the kicker's side, runs towards the ball, touches the ball very slightly with his foot and runs on, causing the ball to move very fractionally. Another member of the same team then runs up towards the ball. Can the defending players in the wall now move forward to block the ball ?

Answer 28: The Referee is the sole judge as to whether or not the action of the first player was a deliberate move to bring the ball into play. If the move was deemed deliberate, then the defending players are within their rights to move towards the ball in an attempt to block the shot. It would be nearly impossible in this situation for the Referee to decide that the first player's touch was accidental - whilst trying to deceive the defending wall with his dummy run. The move should be deemed as bringing the ball into play. If the second player then strikes the ball towards goal, the ball must be seen to have entered play on the first touch by the kicking team. Players very often move the ball about several times before the taking of a free kick. A Referee needs to be very careful in situations of this nature. I would advise you to blow your whistle to stop play immediately, should you feel that any movement of the ball during a free kick is accidental - but you need to be very sure that any touch is accidental. It is also beneficial if you ensure that the ball is placed exactly where it should be - even if this means standing on the ball with your foot until both teams are ready to begin. This allows players of both teams to judge the final position of the ball, and prevents the usual repositioning of the ball into more advantageous positions by the attacking team.

Question 29: What is the difference between:

(a) a goalkeeper who commits a foul by diving at the feet of an attacking player, and makes contact with the attacker but misses the ball completely, and

(b) two opponents running one in front of the other, whose legs get tangled up and they fall down

Is it that in one case (a) a challenge was attempted, and in the other case (b) no challenge was being attempted. Is that the crucial difference?

Answer 29: The answer to whether or not a Referee awards a foul when players’ legs get accidentally tangled up, very much depends on which Referee you ask. Some see this as a foul (i.e. intention does not come into it). Others see it as a pure accident and will not penalise one team or the other. In fact, on many occasions when this happens, who can say which of the players tripped whom? It is an impossible call to make. Hence I will never penalise.
The difference between:

(a) a goalkeeper diving in an attempt to get the ball and

(b) two players running side by side are:

Answers:-
(a) the goalkeeper has made an active move to try and gain the ball.
And
(b) the players running side by side are not immediately challenging for the ball – so I see this as no different to when two players accidentally collide, when the ball is nowhere near them!

I think that you correctly answered your own questioning in your line:
"The only difference seems to be that in one case a challenge was attempted, and in the other no challenge was being attempted."

Question 30: If a defending player intentionally passes the ball back to his goalkeeper and the goalkeeper flicks the ball up with his foot and then catches it, what is the correct decision?

Answer 30: If a defender passes the ball to his goalkeeper using his head or knee or chest – then no action. Allow play to continue.

If the defender 'intentionally' passes the ball to his goalkeeper using his foot, then indirect free kick to the attacking team. It does not matter how many times the goalkeeper touches the ball with his feet before he handles the ball – it is still an offence to pick the ball up. Just because the goalkeeper touches the ball first with his feet - it does not negate the infringement taking place.

Question 31: During the taking of an indirect free kick, the kicker strikes the ball towards the opponents goal and the goalkeeper stretches an arm upwards in an attempt to deflect the ball over the crossbar but doesn't touch the ball before it goes into the goal. Is the goal legal ?

Answer 31: I think you can all answer this one correctly yourselves !!
But I suppose I had better give you the answer - just in case !!

The free kick was an indirect free kick. You cannot score a goal directly from an indirect free kick. The restart in this instance would be a goal kick.

Question 32: There are several different restarts listed in the Laws concerning the wrong number of players on the field of play. Why is that?

Answer 32: I totally agree with you, and believe that there should only be one restart. This would prevent confusion all round. I have listed the differences below for information. (Web master)

1. “If a substitute enters the field of play without the referee being informed, play is stopped to administer a caution. Play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place it was located when play was stopped.”
(Law 3 Number of Players)

2. For any other infringement of this Law, if play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution, the match is restarted with an indirect free kick taken from the place where the ball was when play was stopped.
(Law 3)

3. A player should be cautioned if he “enters or re-enters the field of play without the permission of the referee. Law 12.
The FA Basic Syllabus Teaching Note 12f cautionable Offences paragraph 15 states:
“If game is stopped to administer caution, indirect free kick to opponent where ball was.”
“If play is stopped for twelfth man on field of play: dropped ball”

4. A player should be cautioned if he “deliberately leaves field of play without the permission of the referee. (Law 12.)
The FA Basic Syllabus Teaching Note 12f cautionable Offences paragraph 16 states:
“If game is stopped to administer caution, indirect free kick to opponent where offence occurred.”

It’s no wonder new referees are confused when trying to remember the different restarts for what is essentially the same thing! “incorrect number of players on the field of play”.
How much easier it would be if one restart covered all these infringements.

Question 33: Can a free kick be kicked backwards.

Answer 33: Yes. (But this is not advised if the free kick is on your own goal line).

Question 34: A defending player whilst taking an indirect free kick from outside of his own penalty area, kicks ball to his own goalkeeper who is standing inside his penalty area. But before the goalkeeper (or any other player) can touch the ball, it crosses over the goal line between the goal posts and into the goal. How should the Referee restart play?

Answer 34: The Laws state that you cannot score directly from a free kick of any type, directly into your own goal.

See Law 13 (Free Kicks):………………

"if an indirect ( or a direct) free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal, after the ball is in play, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team".

Question 35: Immediately following a direct free kick, the ball touches the Referee's hand and goes in the goal. In such a situation, would it be counted as a goal or not? Please explain.

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