Question Number: 23492

Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/17/2010

RE: Rec High School

Steve of Muskoka, Ontario Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23059

All ball is play when it is kicked and moves ....

You have clearly answered the 'moves' part. Thank you. What is the definition or interpretation of a kick.

Specifically, is placing your foot on top of the ball and rolling it (moving it) count as putting the ball in play?

Also, if the ball moves, (as previously described) are there any instances where the ball would not be in play?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It is very common for kickers to 'roll the ball' with the bottom of the foot. The players accept that the ball is in play, and the wise referee ignores any infringement as a trifling.

Yet, sometimes the same motion is used by the kicker to position the ball before taking a kick. Again, the players accept that the ball is not in play, and the wise referee ignores this as placing the ball and not a kick.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Kicking is simply striking the ball with the foot in a pendulum like motion. Stomping on the ball is not considered kicking it. Moves means that the ball goes from a previous spot to a new spot.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

A kick involves using the foot to move the ball. So the rolling motion is a kick - if that is what was intended. Ref Wickham has explained when and why very well.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Steve
If one looks at Ryan Giggs of Manchester United on any restart he never touches the ball with his hands and he always positions the ball with his foot. That is not putting the ball in play. If however he uses the same motion the put the ball into play the astute referee will recognise the difference.