Soccer Direct and Indirect Kicks

James Madison University Intramural Sports

Officials Development Program- Indoor Soccer

Direct and Indirect Kicks

All fouls and violations result in either a direct or indirect kick. Officials must know when each is to be awarded and what each kick entails.

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Direct Free Kicks

Goals may be scored from a direct free kick. The kick will be taken from the spot of the foul. If for some reason a direct free kick enters the offenses own goal, a corner kick will be awarded.

Direct Free Kicks are Awarded for:

kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
tripping or attempting to trip an opponent
jumping at an opponent
charging an opponent
striking or attempting to strike an opponent
pushing an opponent
tackling an opponent to gain possession of the ball
making contact with the opponent before touching the ball
holding an opponent
spitting at an opponent
handling the ball deliberately
sliding

Awarding a direct or indirect free kick is not influenced by whether a yellow or red card is given on the foul. Corner kicks are all considered direct free kicks.

Setting Walls

Remember that the offense has the right to put the ball back into play immediately after the call. However, if play cannot be quickly restarted the closest official should stop play, move in and create a wall.

Indirect Free Kicks

A goal may not be scored on an indirect free kick. The kick is taken from the spot of the foul, or where the ball was when play was stopped. Indirect free kicks that enter the opponents goal, without being touched by another player is not a goal. The goal is waived off and the ball is restarted as a goal kick.

Indirect Free Kicks are Awarded for:

dangerous play
impeding the progress of an opponent
preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands
committing any other offence for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player
restarts after an injury
substitution infractions
"In the box before the ball" violations
any time the officials have to stop play for a technical reason

All kick-ins and goal kicks are considered indirect free kicks.

Signaling an Indirect Free Kick

When an indirect kick is called - announce it to the players. Then raise one arm with an open hand. Leave the arm raised until the ball is contacted by another player or the ball goes out of bounds. This is to remind the players that a goal cannot be scored till it strikes another player.

3 Yards

Remember that defense must remain at least 3 yards away from the designated spot of the kick. Defensive players that encroach upon this spot must be cautioned. The kick will remain the same.