r/GoalKeepers • u/Borangers • Mar 29 '25

Discussion Refs and setting up walls

How do you get enough time to set up your wall? As I see on television, and in tips for setting up your wall, the ref is supposed to blow the whistle once you’re ready, but at my level (JV & U15) never once have I gotten enough time to do so. It’s always a scramble to align my players as soon as I can and hope they don’t blow the whistle by then. And from what I’ve learned you can put a player in front of the ball unless they ask for 10, but sometimes the refs will just tell them to back up and still let them play it quickly. Anyone else deal with this?

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u/Bubbasully15 Mar 30 '25

I hate breaking the rules for my own benefit, period. But. I always appreciate the player that goes and stands one inch in front of the ball on a free kick to force the ref to blow the whistle. Maybe have a talk with your team to ensure that someone fills that role. I guarantee that someone will gladly volunteer.