User:Grover cleveland/Free kick

Definition of the concept

 * A player gets an opportunity to kick the ball
 * Opponents are restricted in some way from challenging (eg they must be a certain distance away)
 * Not a kick-off to start a game or half
 * Not a means to restart the game after ball has gone out of play to side. (throw-in).
 * Not a means to restart the play for defending team after ball has gone over goal line (goal kick).
 * Not a means to restart play after ball from corner flag after ball has gone out of play (corner kick).

Note on usage
Note: for the purposes of this discussion, a "free kick" is defined as any opportunity for a player to kick the ball where


 * opponents are restricted in some way from challenging for the ball
 * the situation cannot be classified as one of:
 * starting the game, a half, or restarting after a goal (this is discussed in the kick-off article)
 * returning the ball into play after it has gone over the sidelines of the field of play (this is discussed in the throw-in article)
 * returning the ball into play, by the defending side, after it has gone over the goal-line (this is discussed in the goal kick article).

Before 1863
In the first nineteenth century, the free kick was generally awarded in one of three situations:
 * a fair catch
 * a touchdown
 * an offence by the opposition

Fair catch
The fair catch was the most common reason for a free kick in football codes of the early nineteenth-century. An early example is found in the testimony of Matthew Bloxam, in the famous passage where he attributes the innovation of "running with the ball" at Rugby School to the actions of William Webb Ellis in 1823: "[Ellis] caught the ball in his arms. This being so, according to the then rules, he ought to have retired back as far as he pleased, without parting with the ball, for the combatants on the opposite side could only advance to the spot where  he had caught the ball, and were unable to rush forward till he had either punted it or had placed it for some one else to kick, for it was by means of these place kicks that most of the goals were in those days kicked, but the moment the  ball touched the ground, the opposite side might rush  on."

The first published laws of football, those of Rugby School in 1845, confirm that a free kick was awarded for a catch: : "Charging is fair, in case of a place-kick, as soon as a ball has touched the ground; in case of a kick from a catch, as soon as the player's foot has left the ground, and not before."

Although the 1848 "Cambridge rules" described by Henry C. Malden in 1897 have not survived, Malden implies that they awarded a free kick for a fair catch. The 1856 Cambridge rules, which do survive, explicitly award such a free kick: "When a player catches the ball directly from the foot, he may kick it as he can without running with it."

Other early codes awarding a free kick for a fair catch include Shrewsbury School (1855), Harrow School (1858), Shefield FC (1858), Melbourne FC (1859), Blackheath FC (1862). All these kicks, except for Sheffield's, are direct, permitting a goal to be score directly.

Touchdown
The free kick after a touchdown is found at Rugby School from the mid 1830s. Technically, the touchdown was not rewarded directly with a free kick but with a "punt out" from the goal-line, which could be kicked backwards to a team-mate, who could then catch the ball, make a mark, and proceed with a free-kick as after a fair catch. The procedure is described in Tom Brown's School-Days: "[Y]oung Brooke has touched it right under the School [opposition] goal-posts ... Old Brooke stands with the ball under his arm motioning the School back ... Crab Jones ... stands there in front of old Brooke to catch the ball. If [the opponents] can reach and destroy him before he catches, the danger is over ... Fond hope, it is kicked out and caught beautifully. Crab strikes his heel into the ground, to mark the spot where the ball was caught, beyond which the School line may not advance; but there they stand five deep, ready to rush the moment the ball touches the ground. ... Crab Jones ... has made a small hole with his heel for the ball to lie on, by which he is resting on one knee, with his eye on old Brooke. "Now!" Crab places the ball at the word, old Brooke kicks, and it rises slowly and truly as the School rush forward. Then a moment's pause, while both sides look up at the spinning ball. There it flies straight between the two posts, some five feet above the cross-bar, an unquestioned goal"

It was not until the first laws of the Rugby Football Union (1871) that this complicated procedure was supplemented (and later replaced entirely) by the simpler "conversion" that survives today in rugby and gridiron football.


 * Similar for Marlborough College (1859) https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18591106/058/0006
 * NOTE: fixed location for kick after touchdown rather than punt out as at Rugby. 'uniform distance of 30 yards in front of "touch"'
 * Similar for Cheltenham College (1863) https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18631121/078/0009
 * Similar for Blackheath Proprietary School (Dec 1863) https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000893/18631205/027/0004
 * Similar for Trinity College Dublin (Dec 1863) https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001683/18631209/109/0003
 * Note Cambridge Rules (1863) has free kick from 25 yards. Copied from Marlborough?
 * Note FA Resolution of November 17 1863 has free kick 15 yards from goal-line. (Before committee had seen Cambridge Rules).  Where did this come from?  Blackheath Proprietary School, perhaps?

Note on phrase "fair catch"
Found in sporting context from 1816, but only in cricket before 1845.

Before 1863

 * Bloxam's account of Rugby football states than in 1823, Webb Ellis caught the ball, but "according to the rules, he ought to have retired back as far as he pleased, without parting with the ball, for the combatants in the opposite side could only advance to the spot where he had caught the ball, and were unable to rush forward till he has either punted it or placed it for some one else to kick, for it was by means of these placed kicks that most of the goals were on those days kicked, but the moment the all touched the ground, the opposite side might rush on.
 * it clear when running in was first allowed: earliest suggested date is 1834 (see Macrory p. 113).
 * Need to investigate history of Eton rouge, Harrow free kick, Shrewsbury hoist.
 * Tom Brown's Schooldays -- no mention of free kick for fair catch, but there is a detailed discussion of the punt-out and try-at-goal.
 * The Foot Ball Club (Edinburgh) (1833): 4. A free kick if ball out of bounds. (term used but excluded as restart).
 * Earliest example I can find of term "free kick". Next earliest is also from Edinburgh: 1851 Edinburgh University article in Bell's Life: "at a few minutes to five, had brought the ball to within a few yards of the goal, when another kick would have won it but for a Scotchman, who took the ball off the ground, and claimed a free kick, resisting every effort to take the ball from him. The umpire, who saw the circumstance, immediately disallowed the claim, which, however, was poor satisfaction, after losing the chance of the game"
 * Rugby 1845: has place kick for try at goal. Implicitly has kick after fair catch, though not spelled out in laws.  Term "free kick" not used.
 * xxxvi. If a player take a punt when he is not entitled to it, the opposite side may take a punt or drop, without running if the ball has not touched two hands.  Kind of free kick as a punishment??
 * When would a player be "not entitled to punt": try-at-goal or kick-off.
 * Illustration from 1845 of Rugby place kick at Macrory p 87, and if punt out at Macrocyclic p. 114.
 * Eton 1847: 11. When a rouge has been obtained the ball must be placed one yard from the centre of the goal; and no player is to touch the ball, or let it rest against his foot, until the player, who has obtained the rouge, has kicked the ball himself. (term free kick not used).
 * [Cambridge 1848] Malden's 1897 letter implies that these rules (otherwise lost) had a free kick for a fair catch "as still played at Harrow", but dubious as the the reliability of Malden's memories.
 * Surrey 1849: none.
 * Shrewsbury 1855: . A player who caught the ball direct from a kick could take a 'hoist' (i.e. punt), or drop kick, otherwise the ball might not be handled.
 * Cambridge 1856: 8. When a player catches the ball directly from the foot, he may kick it as he can without running with it. In no other case may the ball be touched with the hands, except to stop it. (not explicitly declared to be a free kick).
 * Uppingham 1857:  If any player kicks off-side, the opposite side may claim a fair kick from the place where it was kicked off-side.  Also kick from  fair catch, but not clear whether it's a "free" kick. ("Any player who catches the ball in the air, or at first bound,  may either kick it as best he can, or ...")
 * Harrow 1858: Whoever catches the Ball is entitled to a free kick if he calls Three yards (JOINT THIRD OLDEST EXAMPLE OF PHRASE)
 * Sheffield 1858 draft: Fair Catch is a Catch direct from the foot of the opposite side and entitles a free kick. (JOINT THIRD OLDEST EXAMPLE OF PHRASE)
 * Sheffield 1858 draft: 6. Knocking or pushing on the Ball is altogether disallowed. The side breaking this Rule forfeits a free kick to the opposite side.
 * Sheffield 1858 draft: 10. No Goal may be kicked from touch nor by a free kick from a catch. (first IFK?)
 * Trinity College Hartford 1858: none
 * Melbourne 1859: Any player catching the ball directly from the foot may call 'mark'. He then has a free kick; no player from the opposite side being allowed to come inside the spot marked.
 * Melbourne 1860: In case of deliberate infringement of any of the above Rules by either side, the Captain of the opposing side may claim that any one of his party may have a free kick from the place where the breach of the Rules was made; the two Captains in all cases, save where Umpires are appointed, to be the sold judges of infringements.
 * Barnes 1862: none
 * Blackheath 1862: free kick for fair catch (note no try-at-goal).
 * Eton 1862: rouge now has "touch" rather than kick.
 * Eton Harrow 1862: none
 * Simplest Game 1862: none.
 * Rugby 1862: still no use of term "free kick".
 * Cambridge 1863: . When a player has kicked the ball beyond the opponent's goal line, whoever first touches the ball when it is on the ground with his hand may have a free kick, bringing the ball 25 yards straight out from the goal line.
 * Cambridge 1863: 11. A free kick may be taken in any manner the player may choose.
 * Charterhouse 1863: none.
 * Cheltenham 1863: like Rugby.
 * Marlborough 1863: like Rugby but no fair catch.
 * Winchester: fair catch

FA 1863

 * resolution of 17 November: If touched down by one of the opposite side one of such side shall be entitled to a free kick (place or drop) from a point 15 yards outside the goal line opposite the place where the ball is touched down.
 * resolution of 17 November: 2. A fair catch is to enable a player to a free kick provided he makes a mark with his heel at once and in order to take such kick the players may go as far back as he pleases.
 * First draft:
 * 7. In case the ball goes behind the goal line, if a player on the side to whom the goal belongs first touches the ball, one of his side shall be entitled to a free kick from the goal line at the point opposite the place where the ball shall be touched. If a player of the opposite side first touches the ball, one of his side shall be entitled to a free kick from a point 15 yards outside the goal line, opposite the place where the ball is touched.
 * 8. If a player makes a fair catch he shall be entitled to a free kick, provided he claims it by making a mark with his heel at once; and in order to take such kick he may go as far back as he pleases, and no player on the opposite side shall advance beyond his mark until he has kicked.
 * Definition: A Free Kick is the privilege of kicking the ball, without obstruction, in such manner as the kicker may think fit.
 * SO IT ALLOWED DROP KICK, PUNT.
 * NOTE: free kick after touchdown shows influence of Rugby rules? Or possibly Cheltenham rules?
 * Cheltenham rules have 30 yards not 15.
 * Cambridge rules have 25 yards, but seem to have been unknown at this time.
 * As submitted for adoption:
 * Law 7: replace "a free kick from a point 15 yards outside the goal line" with "a free kick at the goal only from a point 15 yards from the goal line"
 * Law 7: append "the opposite side standing within their goal line until he has had his kick"
 * As published:
 * Law 7: replace "a free kick at the goal only" with "a free kick (but at the goal only)"
 * Law 7: replace "15 yards outside the goal line" with "15 yards from the goal line"
 * Law 7: replace "the opposite side standing within their goal line" with "The opposing side shall stand behind their goal line"
 * Definition" kicking the ball" -> "kicking AT the ball"

1866

 * All free kicks abolished (but definition remained in laws).

1867

 * Definition removed.
 * Sheffield FC unsuccessfully proposed banning handling with free kick as punishment (as introduced in Shefield FA rules next month). Proposal doesn't even seem to have been discussed.

1870

 * All handling forbidden, but no penalty specified
 * Two unsuccessful rival proposals both specified a penalty of a throw-in from touch level with the infringement.

1872

 * Free kick (indirect) reintroduced as penalty for handball (Harrow Chequers)
 * In the event of an infringement of this rule, a free kick shall be forfeited to the opposite side from the spot where the infringement took place, but in no case shall a goal be scored from such free kick
 * NOTE: "free kick" not defined.

1873

 * "Free kick" defined again ( Clapton Pilgrims, as amended by F. A. Marindin of Royal Engineers).
 * A Free Kick is a kick at the ball in any way the kicker pleases, when it is lying on the ground; none of the kicker's opponents being allowed within six yards of the ball, but in no case can a player be forced to stand behind his own goal-line.
 * This time it rules out punt or drop kick.

1874

 * Extended from handball to include offside and foul play. Dribbling banned.

1882

 * Extended to include
 * infringement on throw-in
 * scoring goal from free-kick, goal-kick, corner-kick, kick-off
 * dribbling from free-kick, goal-kick, corner-kick, kick-off.

1887
Extended to include
 * infringement on kick-off.

Definition of free kick amended:
 * replace "any way the kicker pleases" with "any direction the kicker pleases" (proposed by J. Sinclair of Ireland; seconded by J. Armstrong of England).
 * append "The ball must at least be rolled over before it shall be considered played"

1891
Extended to include
 * infringement on "throwing the ball up"

(Note: penalty kick introduced).

(Note: penalty law is so poorly drafted, that


 * it theoretically awards a penalty for otherwise legal handling by the keeper
 * it theoretically awards both a penalty and an IFK for the same offence

NOTE: why is there still no penalty for an infringement of the goal-kick / corner-kick law?

1895

 * Definition of free kick: append: "i.e., it must make a complete circuit or travel the distance of its circumference"

1896

 * Add new definition: "A Place Kick or a Free Kick must not be taken until the referee has given a signal for the same".

1901

 * Award free kick for certain offences at a penalty (ball not kicked forward; dribbling).

1902

 * Free kick and penalty laws integrated (so the laws no longer theoretically prescribe both a free kick and a penalty kick for the same offence).
 * No longer awarded or offence on kick-off
 * STILL nothing for offence on goal-kick / corner-kick or free kick.

1903

 * Infringement on kick-off is now retake (formerly unspecified).
 * Direct free-kick (re-)introduced for same offences as penalty-kick
 * Advantage allowed for free-kicks and penalty-kicks.

1905

 * Extended to opponents coming too close at free-kick, corner-kick, goal-kick. Also ball failing to roll-over at any of these.

1907

 * Extended to any time a player is sent off (but what about booking for ungentlemanly conduct)?
 * ALREADY extended to dangerous play.

1913

 * Distance for opponents increased from 6 to 10 yards.

1927

 * Own goal may not be scored from any free kick.

1931

 * Foul throw is punished with throw-in not IFK.

1934

 * Ungentlemanly conduct punishable by IFK even if player only cautioned.

1936

 * Players may be less than 10 yards from FK only if they are on goal-line between the goal-posts (not anywhere else on goal-line).

1937

 * Free kick taken from within own penalty area must leave the penalty area before it goes into play.

1938

 * "If a player of the opposing team approach within 10 yards before the kick is taken the referee shall delay the taking of the kick until the law is complied with"

List of offences (after rewrite):

Direct:

Intentionallly:
 * Kicks, strikes or jumps at an opponent.
 * Trips, including throwing or attempting to throw an opponent (by use of the legs or by stooping in front or behind him).
 * Handles the ball; i.e., strikes or propels it with the hand or arm. (This does not apply to the goalkeeper within his own penalty area.)
 * Holds or pushes an opponent with his hand, or with his arms extended from his body.
 * Charges in a violent or dangerous manner, or charges an opponent from behind, unless the latter be deliberately obstructing. (N.B. —This is not intended to penalise ALL charging: it is permissible as long as, in the opinion of the referee, it is fair and the players concerned are attempting to play the ball.)

Indirect:
 * Double touch from kick-off, free-kick, penalty-kick, throw-in, corner-kick, [goal-kick?]
 * Offside
 * Intentionally Charges a goalkeeper, except when he is holding the ball or wilfully obstructing an opponent, or when he has passed outside the goal area.
 * Being the goalkeeper, carries the ball —i.e., takes more than four steps while holding the ball without bouncing it on the ground.
 * Intentionally Plays in a manner considered by the referee to be dangerous.
 * Player cautioned for Persistentlv infringes any of the laws of the game.
 * Playehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPagesr cautioned for Shows bv word or action dissent from any decision given by the referee.
 * Player sent off (misconduct after caution / violent conduct) and no other offence committed.
 * Penalty-kick not kicked forward
 * "Any infringement" at a corner-kick (and goal-kick???)