Free Kicks

The general principles of the rules are as follows:

  • Keep the ball moving.
  • Any player who goes after the ball will get every opportunity to take it.
  • Any player caught with the ball will get a reasonable chance to dispose of it.

Fouls stem from violations of these principles, and the penalty for most violations is a free kick.

Free kicks may be given against players either with or without the ball. A free kick is generally taken at the spot where the infringement occurred. (Exceptions see "Play On" and "Relayed Free Kicks" below.)

A free kick is given against the player in possession of the ball for the following infringements of the rules:

(a) Not disposing of the ball within a reasonable time when held by an opponent.

(b) Not disposing of the ball correctly by using a handball or a kick.

(c) Kicking the ball over the boundary line without it bouncing first or being touched by another player.

(d) Deliberately forcing or taking the ball over the boundary line.

(e) Running more than 15 meters without bouncing the ball or touching the ball on the ground.

(f) deliberately dragging the ball under him while on the ground in a pack situation

A free kick is given against any player who:

(a) Grabs the opponent with the ball above the shoulder or below the knees.

(b) Pushes an opponent in the back.

(c) Trips or attempts to trip an opponent.

(d) Charges an opponent.

(e) Interferes with an opponent attempting to mark in the air by punching or bumping.

(f) Shepherds an opponent when the ball is more than 5 meters away.

(g) Enters the center square before the ball is bounced at the restart of play.

Following a free kick or mark, a 50 meter penalty is given against a player standing on the mark who:

(a) Refuses to stand on the mark at the point indicated by the umpire.

(b) Deliberately wastes time in returning the ball to the player who is to take the kick.

(c) Holds the player who is to take the kick thereby preventing play continuing.

(d) Runs over the mark before or as the ball is kicked. (Any player in the opposing team can give this penalty)