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Quizzes > Sports

Football Referee Test: Check Your Rules Knowledge

Quick, free referee quiz with real scenarios and instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Leigh McintireUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a quiz on Football Referee Rules Knowledge Test.

This football referee test helps you practice real match calls and check your grasp of the rules. Work through quick scenarios, then test broader game smarts with a soccer iq test or sharpen recall with a ball knowledge quiz. You'll get instant feedback to see where you're strong and what to review.

A defender deliberately kicks the ball to their goalkeeper, who miscontrols it with the foot and then uses the hands to prevent an attacker from reaching it. What is the decision?
Play on; goalkeepers may handle a miscontrolled deliberate kick-back
Dropped ball to the defending team
Indirect free kick to the attackers where the goalkeeper handled the ball
Direct free kick to the attackers where the goalkeeper handled the ball
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At a throw-in, the thrower's back foot lifts off the ground, while the front foot remains on the touchline. The throw is otherwise correct and enters the field. What is the decision?
Allow play to continue
Throw-in to the opponents from the same spot
Indirect free kick to the opponents for improper restart
Retake the throw-in
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An attacker in an offside position receives the ball directly from a corner kick. Should offside be penalized?
Yes, because the attacker was in an offside position
No, offside is not evaluated on a corner kick
Yes, if the attacker gains an advantage
No, only if the defender deliberately plays the ball first
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A player's shin pads are worn outside the socks during play. What should the referee do at the next stoppage?
Award an indirect free kick against the player's team
Order the player to leave to correct equipment; do not allow re-entry until corrected; no caution required
Allow play to continue; equipment position is not mandatory
Caution the player and restart with a dropped ball
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A player removes the shirt during a goal celebration. What action should the referee take?
Send off the player for offensive behavior
Caution the player for unsporting behavior; goal stands
Take no action; it is part of celebration
Disallow the goal and caution the player
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A substitute enters the field without the referee's permission and interferes with play by deflecting the ball. What is the correct restart and disciplinary action?
Dropped ball at the place of the interference; no disciplinary action
Direct free kick to the opponents from the place of the interference; caution the substitute for unsporting behavior
Retake the previous restart; warn the substitute verbally only
Indirect free kick to the opponents from the place of the interference; caution the substitute for entering without permission
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During a penalty kick, the kicker slips and double-touches the ball (kicks it with the same foot twice) without another player touching it. What is the correct decision?
Goal stands if the ball enters the goal
Indirect free kick to the defending team from the spot of the second touch; caution the kicker is not required
Retake the penalty kick
Direct free kick to the defending team from the penalty mark
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A goalkeeper releases the ball from the hands and kicks it while an opponent stands one meter away but does not attempt to play the ball. The ball hits the opponent and rebounds to the attacker. What should the referee do?
Stop play and drop the ball to the goalkeeper
Allow play to continue
Award an indirect free kick for interfering with the goalkeeper's release
Caution the attacker for unsporting behavior
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At a penalty kick, the goalkeeper encroaches with the front foot clearly in front of the goal line at the moment the ball is kicked, and the shot misses the goal. What is the decision?
Retake the penalty; caution the goalkeeper if persistent or impactful
Retake the penalty and automatically caution the kicker
Allow play to continue with a goal kick
Award an indirect free kick to the defenders
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A player attempts a bicycle kick near an opponent but does not make contact with the opponent. The action appears dangerous. What is the correct decision?
Direct free kick for serious foul play
Play on; no offense without contact
Indirect free kick for playing in a dangerous manner
Caution for unsporting behavior and indirect free kick
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A defender carelessly trips an opponent just outside the penalty area. The ball then rolls into the penalty area to a teammate of the fouled player who has a clear shot. The referee applies advantage, but the teammate immediately shoots wide. What is the correct outcome?
Allow play to continue with a goal kick; no further action
Caution the defender for SPA and award a direct free kick
Bring play back and award a penalty kick
Bring play back and award a direct free kick; no disciplinary action required for careless trip
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A defender denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by a careless trip inside the penalty area while attempting to challenge for the ball. What are the correct disciplinary and restart decisions?
Penalty kick only; no disciplinary action
Penalty kick and send off (red card) for DOGSO
Penalty kick and caution (yellow card) due to double jeopardy exception
Indirect free kick and caution
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The ball strikes the referee and remains on the field, and a promising attack starts for the team that last touched it. What should the referee do?
Stop play and drop the ball to the team that last touched it
Stop play and award a dropped ball to the opponents
Stop play and restart with an indirect free kick
Allow play to continue
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A player spits at an opponent from a short distance but does not make contact. What is the correct decision?
Caution for unsporting behavior and direct free kick
Indirect free kick for unsporting behavior
Warn the player and continue play
Send off for violent conduct; direct free kick or penalty as appropriate
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At a dropped ball to the goalkeeper inside their penalty area, the goalkeeper kicks the ball directly into the opponents' goal without any other touch. What is the decision?
Award a goal; goals can be scored directly from a dropped ball
Retake the dropped ball
Award a corner kick to the opponents
Award a goal kick to the defending team
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A team scores a goal with 12 players on the field. The extra player was a substitute who entered without permission. The referee realizes this immediately after the kick-off restart. What is the correct course of action?
Stop play, disallow the goal, caution the substitute, and restart with a dropped ball
Stop play, caution the substitute, and restart with an indirect free kick to the opponents from where the ball was when play stopped
Disallow the goal if noticed before play restarts; since play has restarted, the goal stands; caution the substitute at the next stoppage
Stop play, caution the substitute for entering without permission, and restart with a dropped ball to the defending team
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An attacker standing just off the field beyond the goal line re-enters to play a ball that has not left the field and scores. The attacker left the field in the preceding movement to avoid a collision, without referee permission. Decision?
Disallow the goal for leaving without permission; indirect free kick
Caution for USB and retake the previous restart
Award the goal; temporary exit during normal play does not require permission
Disallow the goal for offside
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An attacker attempts to score with a deliberate header, but the ball accidentally strikes the arm that is close to the body after the header and deflects into the goal. What is the decision?
Allow the goal; accidental handball is not an offense
Order a dropped ball
Disallow the goal for accidental handball by the attacker
Award an indirect free kick for handball
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A defender outside the field of play near the goal line throws an object at an attacker on the field and hits them. What is the correct restart and sanction?
Direct free kick or penalty kick where the attacker was hit; send off for violent conduct
Indirect free kick where the object was thrown
Throw-in to the attackers; caution
Dropped ball at the nearest boundary line; caution
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Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by handling is punished by a caution if a penalty is awarded (double jeopardy exception).
False
True
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0

Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key football referee rules and interpretations.
  2. Apply the advantage law in realistic match scenarios.
  3. Evaluate proper procedures for restarts like free kicks.
  4. Demonstrate correct signaling and positioning techniques.
  5. Analyse decision-making in offside and foul assessments.
  6. Master the rules governing substitutions and disciplinary actions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Direct vs. Indirect Free Kicks - Direct free kicks let you blast the ball straight into the net if the defense gives you space. Indirect free kicks, on the flip side, require one of your teammates to touch the ball before you can celebrate in the goal. Mastering this split adds a secret weapon to your set-piece toolkit!
  2. The Advantage Law - Referees sometimes wave the game on after a foul if it benefits the non-offending team more than stopping play. Spotting when to play on can turn a turnover into an instant attack, catching defenders off guard. Knowing how and when the referee applies this rule keeps you sharp and ready for every twist!
  3. Referee Signaling Techniques - Ever wondered how refs show an indirect free kick? They simply raise an arm high above their head until the kick is taken, giving everyone a clear signal. Grasping these gestures helps you stay alert and play by the book, avoiding unnecessary protests or confusion.
  4. Cautionable Offenses - Delaying the restart, dissent by words or gestures, and reckless tackles can land you a yellow card faster than you can say "play on!" Knowing which moves earn a caution helps you keep your cool and stay on the pitch longer. Stay smart, keep your temper in check, and outwit the bookings!
  5. The Offside Rule - A player is offside if they're closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender at the moment the pass is made. Staying level or behind that defender when the ball is played keeps you in play and free to strike. Practice your timing and perfect those runs to become an offside-zone ninja!
  6. Substitution Procedures - When you're subbed off, head straight to the nearest boundary line unless the referee tells you otherwise - no dawdling! Proper exit and entry points keep play flowing smoothly and prevent chaos around the technical area. Master these routines to ensure your team never loses momentum.
  7. Serious Foul Play - Any tackle that endangers an opponent's safety is classed as serious foul play and usually means a straight red card. Keep your challenges clean and timed, and you'll stay on the field and in control. Learning what crosses the line protects both you and your teammates from risky moments.
  8. Assistant Referees' Roles - Assistant refs are your offside lookouts, substitution spotters, and out-of-bounds hawks, signalling every corner, throw-in, and goal kick. Knowing their flag signals helps you anticipate decisions and adjust your positioning faster. Teamwork between officials keeps the match fair and fun!
  9. Restart Positioning - For every free kick, the ball must be stationary on the ground and opponents must stand at least 9.15 meters away - think of it as giving you enough space to plan your magic. Proper setup leads to more powerful strikes and strategic set plays. Nail these basics to seize every restart!
  10. Misconduct by Team Officials - Coaches and staff can be cautioned or sent off for irresponsible behaviour, like abusive language or entering the field without permission. Keeping technical areas professional and respectful ensures your team stays focused on winning, not warnings. Lead by example and keep the sideline drama-free!
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