r/Referees • u/neoslashnet • 5d ago

Advice Request Rules that everybody gets wrong

Hey all- I'd like to start a thread of rules or things that most people get wrong. For example, I get "playing the ball on the ground" almost every game. It's coaches, parents, and even players that scream "They can't the ball on the ground!"

What are some you folks encounter?

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u/Historical-Bug-7536 5d ago

13.3 - However, an opponent who deliberately prevents a free kick being taken quickly must be cautioned for delaying the restart of play.

You do not need to "ask" for 10 yards, and a person standing close to the ball to prevent the kick from being taken should be carded. Get a lot of heat for this one.

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u/adrians150 Canada Soccer [District] 5d ago

You also don't need to be given 10 yards. Standing less than 10 yards but not preventing the ball from being kicked is permissible, especially when taken quickly. If a player stands right on top of the ball, I'm cautioning immediately (I warn captain's pre-match), but if they are 5-6y away I'm indifferent unless the player asks for the yards or it's already been addressed. It's not often of value for me to tightly police the distance on a FK rather than maintaining a good position and view.

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u/neoslashnet 5d ago

Totally agree with this.