Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct

Direct Free Kick

Direct Free Kick (DFK) is the result of an offense against an opposing player that involve contact or attempt to contact, except handling.  

Direct Free Kick (DFK) offenses:
These offenses are judged by severity. 
Careless, Reckless (Caution), Excessive force (Red)
- Charges at opponent* 
- Jumps at**
- Kicks or attempts to kick
​- Pushes
- Strikes or attempts to strike, including head-butt
- Tackles or challenges
- Trips or attempts to trip
- Holding
- Impedes with contact

​Biting or spitting at someone is a Red Card Offense.

*Charging is the player who runs into another player without playing the ball.  
**Jumps at an opponent is typically seen during a challenge for a high ball (header).

Careless - when a player shows a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution.
Reckless (Caution)- is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent.
Excessive force (Red)- is when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and/or endangers the safety of an opponent and must be sent off.

To kick either a DFK or IFK:
- Ball must be stationary
- Kicker may not play the ball a second time until the ball has been touched by any other player.
- Opposing players must be 10 yards from the ball.
- The ball is considered in-play when the ball is kicked and clearly moves.