Small Sided Football - Laws of the Game

Types of Free Kicks

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 may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

The Direct Free Kick

• If a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponent’s goal, a goal is awarded

The Indirect Free Kick

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

Position of Free Kick

• All opponents must be at least 3m from the ball until it is in play
• The ball is in play after it has been touched or played

Infringements/Sanctions

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

• The kick is retaken

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player:

• An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

Signals

Direct Free Kick:

 The referee keeps one arm horizontal pointing in the direction the kick has to be taken

Indirect Free Kick:

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