1. Free Kicks (13) U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Online Training Script:
Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 9 Referee Course.
Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the small sided and recreational youth game.
This presentation focuses on Law 13 – Free Kicks.
U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Grade 9 Referee Course
Small Sided and Recreational Youth Training

2. Types Direct free kick Goal can be scored directly Indirect free kick
Ball must be touched by another player before entering the goal
Referee uses a raised arm to signal
Online Training Script:
When player commits a direct free kick foul outside his or her own penalty area or when a player commits an indirect free kick foul, the referee stops play and restarts with a free kick.
There are two types of free kick restarts, direct and indierct.
A goal can be scored directly from a direct free kick.
For an indirect free kick, the ball must be touched by another player other than the kicker before entering the goal.
If a direct free kick offense is committed by a team within their own penalty area, the result is a penalty kick for the opposing team.
Referees should be sure to take note of the local rules of competition as some small sided and recreational youth games may require that all free kicks be indirect.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

3. Procedure Ball Stationary At location of foul* No double-touch
Online Training Script:
The ball must be stationary prior to being put into play and the free kick taker cannot touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
If the free kick taker plays the ball a second consecutive time, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Ball must be stopped before the free kick is taken
In “almost” all cases, the kick is taken from the location of the infraction. We’ll talk about exceptions later.
Discuss double-touch and IFK restart for violation.

4. Review Question
On an indirect free kick restart, does the ball have to make contact with another player other than the kicker before it enters the goal for the goal to count?
Yes No
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points: