During a free kick, when must the players stand at least 10 yards away?

The correct answer focuses on the specific condition during which players are required to stand at least 10 yards away from the ball—direct free kicks. This rule is in place to ensure that the team taking the free kick can execute it without undue interference from opposing players, thereby promoting fair play and the orderly conduct of the game.

For direct free kicks, players of the opposing team must distance themselves by 10 yards from the ball until it is in play to give the attacking team a fair opportunity to score. This distance requirement is crucial in maintaining the flow of the game and allows the attacking player to take the kick with minimal obstruction.

In contrast, the requirement does not apply to indirect free kicks, penalty kicks, or during moments when play is actually stopped for other reasons, making the context of where and when these distances need to be respected important to understand the rule fully.