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A free kick is a way to start play again after some violation of the Law
- a misconduct or a foul. The free kick takes place where the foul
or misconduct happened (see Special Rules #2 and #3 below)
A goal can be scored directly from a direct free kick but only against
the opponents. (Remember: "directly" means that no one else has
touched or played the ball) |
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For any free kick, the ball is in play as soon as it is kicked and
moves. (see
Special Rule #1 below) |
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All players from the other team must be at least ten yards away from
where the free kick is being taken (see Special Rule #4 below) |
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The kicking team can decide to go ahead and take a kick anyway even if
there are opponents closer than ten yards |
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An opponent who gets too close and interferes with or delays the taking
of a free kick can be cautioned for misconduct and shown the yellow card |
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Not OK
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The player taking the free kick cannot touch the ball again unless
another player has touched it (an indirect free kick is given to the
other team if this happens) |
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A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick (the ball
has to touch at least one other player on either team before entering
the net for the goal to count) |
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The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising an arm straight
overhead. The referee keeps the arm raised until the ball is
touched by another player or leaves the field of play
It is still an indirect free kick even if the referee forgets to do
this. |
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Special Rule #1
If a free kick is given to defenders inside their own
penalty area, the ball is not in play until it leaves the penalty area.
All opponents must be outside the penalty area when the kick is taken |
Special Rule #2
If an indirect free kick is given to the attacking team
inside the defender's goal area, the ball is placed on the goal area
line closest to where the foul or misconduct occurred |
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Special Rule #3
If a free kick is given to defenders inside their goal
area, the ball can be placed on the ground anywhere in the goal area |
Special Rule #4
Opponents can be closer than 10 yards to a free kick if
they are standing on their own goal line between the goal posts |
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