Indirect Free Kick

Term from Sports Officiating industry explained for recruiters

An Indirect Free Kick is a specific type of penalty restart in soccer/football that referees must know how to identify and manage. Unlike a direct free kick, a goal cannot be scored directly from this kick - another player must touch the ball first. Officials need to understand when to award these kicks and how to properly signal them, which is done by raising one arm straight up until the kick is taken and the ball is touched by another player. This is a fundamental concept that appears in match reports and assessments of soccer/football officials.

Examples in Resumes

Consistently and accurately awarded Indirect Free Kick situations in high-stakes matches

Maintained control of Indirect Free Kick scenarios in professional league games

Successfully managed over 100 Indirect Free Kick situations in regional tournaments

Typical job title: "Soccer/Football Referees"

Also try searching for:

Soccer Referee Football Official Match Official Sports Official Soccer Match Referee Football Match Official

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you manage player reactions when awarding an indirect free kick in a controversial situation?

Expected Answer: A senior referee should discuss communication strategies, preventive officiating techniques, and how to maintain authority while explaining decisions to players and coaches.

Q: Describe a complex indirect free kick situation you've handled and how you managed it.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in handling challenging match situations, including proper positioning, clear signaling, and effective communication with other officials and players.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main differences between direct and indirect free kicks?

Expected Answer: Should explain that indirect free kicks require another player to touch the ball before a goal can be scored, and describe the proper arm signal and common scenarios when they're awarded.

Q: How do you ensure proper distance of defending players during an indirect free kick?

Expected Answer: Should discuss management of the required distance (typically 10 yards/9.15 meters), including use of vanishing spray, verbal commands, and working with assistant referees.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the proper signal for an indirect free kick?

Expected Answer: Should know that the referee must raise one arm straight up and keep it raised until the kick is taken and another player touches the ball.

Q: Name three situations when an indirect free kick should be awarded.

Expected Answer: Should mention common scenarios like dangerous play, impeding an opponent without contact, or a goalkeeper handling a deliberate back-pass from a teammate.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of Laws of the Game
  • Proper signaling techniques
  • Basic player management
  • Understanding of basic restart procedures

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced game control
  • Effective communication with players and coaches
  • Consistent application of rules
  • Strong positioning awareness

Senior (5+ years)

  • Expert game management
  • Mentoring of junior officials
  • High-level match experience
  • Advanced conflict resolution

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to demonstrate proper signaling technique
  • Lack of knowledge about basic restart procedures
  • Poor understanding of when to award indirect vs direct free kicks
  • Insufficient knowledge of positioning requirements