Sep 12, 2009
Soccer Rule Alert!

State Soccer Rules Interpreter, Alan Brown, has asked that we inform coaches that although there is no change from previous years in Rule 13, Section 3, Article 2, he has requested that the officials place more emphasis on this rule during the upcoming season.


Rule 13 Section 3 Article 2 - "The ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground at the spot specified by the official. To be in play, the ball shall be moved in any direction. If the free kick is awarded to the defending team in its penalty area, the ball is not in play until is is beyond the penalty area and into the field of play. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a rekick.

Play -

During an indirect free kick A2 steps on the ball without the ball moving, and then A3 kicks the ball into Team B's goal. Ruling - Goal kick for Team B. A2 has not kicked the ball, rather simply stepped on it. The kick by A3 is the first touching. Since the restart was an indirect free kick, and the ball has only been touched once before entering Team B's goal, the restart is a goal kick. Rule 13 Section 3 Article 2