If a referee fails to raise their arm for an indirect free kick and the ball goes directly into the goal, what should happen?

If a referee fails to raise their arm for an indirect free kick and the ball goes directly into the goal, what should happen?

• A. The goal is awarded
• B. Retake the indirect free kick
• C. Acknowledge the goal but provide a caution
• D. No action is needed, play resumes

Answer: (B)

When a referee indicates an indirect free kick, the procedure requires the referee to raise their arm above their head, signaling that a goal cannot be scored directly from this type of kick. If the referee fails to raise their arm and the ball then goes directly into the goal, the correct response is to retake the indirect free kick. This is because an indirect free kick specifically mandates that the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored. The rules of the game stipulate the importance of the referee's signals in managing such situations. The absence of the proper signal means that the kick was not effectively executed as an indirect free kick, and therefore, the objective of the kick (which is to allow the ball to touch a second player before a goal can be scored) was not fulfilled. Thus, the only way to rectify the situation is to retake the indirect free kick, ensuring that the proper procedure is followed according to the laws of the game.

When a referee indicates an indirect free kick, the procedure requires the referee to raise their arm above their head, signaling that a goal cannot be scored directly from this type of kick. If the referee fails to raise their arm and the ball then goes directly into the goal, the correct response is to retake the indirect free kick. This is because an indirect free kick specifically mandates that the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.

The rules of the game stipulate the importance of the referee's signals in managing such situations. The absence of the proper signal means that the kick was not effectively executed as an indirect free kick, and therefore, the objective of the kick (which is to allow the ball to touch a second player before a goal can be scored) was not fulfilled. Thus, the only way to rectify the situation is to retake the indirect free kick, ensuring that the proper procedure is followed according to the laws of the game.