20-second limit for goal kicks extends to free kicks

Earlier this month, a 20-second time limit was placed on kick-outs with the punishment being a 13-metre free. Dublin’s Evan Comerford and Galway’s Connor Gleeson fell foul of the change.

LATE NEWS: A communique issued by the national referees committee and the Football Review Committee on Thursday confirmed a delay of over 20 seconds from when a free is awarded until the ball is kicked will be considered time-wasting. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

The guideline of a 20-second limit to take a goal-kick has been extended to free kicks.

A communique issued by the national referees committee and the Football Review Committee on Thursday confirmed a delay of over 20 seconds from when a free is awarded until the ball is kicked will be considered time-wasting. Under the previous rules, the free is cancelled and a throw-in awarded.