I know there must be a simple explanation for it but just can't think

 

As far as I know it's to do with the 'radius' away from the penalty spot. When a penna is been taken the rest of the players have to be a certain distance away from the penalty spot, and the D provides the means of keeping them the correct distance away.

????????

 

DD is correct. The D makes sure that all players (other than the penalty taker and keeper) are the same distance away from the penalty spot (and therefore the ball).

Simon.

 

Yup, the D is fantastic for us referees so we can catch infringing players who step in close than ten yards when they are not the penalty taker.

Punishment is a yellow card otherwise known as a caution.

 

Unless you play for Man Utd [img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img]

 

That is a different kettle of fish of course.

 

D = 10 yrds from the PK spot