Question Number: 23597

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/2/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Doug of Orange County, CA USA asks...

I have a question regarding drop balls with intent to go to one team.

If in the opinion of the referee, the ball should go to the blue team, but the correct restart is a drop ball, can the referee request the red team to stand further back, or to allow the blue team to gain control?

If the drop ball is inside the goal area, and the referee feels control should go to the defending blue team, can the referee drop the ball in front of the goalkeeper, and can the goalkeeper then pick up the ball, as it is not kicked back to him/her by a teammate?

Thanks,

Doug

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Doug
The referee cannot determine who challenges for a dropped ball or the number of player that will do so. That is a matter for the team.
Many teams now decide not to contest the DB restart but that is entirely up to them.
I would certainly advise any referee to be careful on any DB restart in the goal area and to ensure that the teams fully understand what is happening. The goalkeeper can participate in the DB restart and use his/her hands after the ball touches the ground.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The referee cannot dictate, but can point out the options for sporting play, particularly in youth play.

The keeper may pick up a dropped ball, and the procedure you outline is often the simplest t way to restart play. I always remind keepers that they may pick up the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I concur with my colleagues - make sure you explain what is happening to the youth teams. 'Hey Red, we stopped play to deal with the injury while the keeper had the ball. The fair thing would be to allow the keeper to get the ball again, right?' They don't have to agree, but with the strength of your refereeing personality you can probably convince them to agree.

And then tell the keeper, 'You can pick it up. Would you give me a couple seconds to get to midfield before you kick it? Thanks.' There was one U10 keeper that I forgot to tell he could handle it. He panicked, and blindly kicked the ball out of the penalty area - right to one of the opponents who scored. I cringed, and later apologized to the coach who was a colleague.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 23637