Is there a safety switch at the bottom of the clutch for starting?

When I engaged the clutch and didn't have it in the right position the car wouldn't start. This position of the clutch became increasingly tricky relative to starting until finally I can't sart it at all. I think it is a safety switch so the car cannot be started whithout the clutch engaged so the car does not jump forward when started while in gear and the clutch is not engaged. I have no problem push starting my Legacy and the starter and cellinoid were replaced within the last year. Is this a relatively simple and inexpensive repair? Please help!