Question Number: 12795

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/14/2006

RE: Rec Under 13

sean of Atlanta, GA United States asks...

A ball from another field enters the field goes into the goal box, keeper picks it up to sent it off the field and an opposing striker scores while he's handling the other ball...call

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The ball clearly interfered with play. I'd have preferred the keeper to leave it alone but no way will allow a goal. Restart with a dropped ball

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

This is looked at as an outside agent, kind of thing. Stop play, remove the thing that doesn't belong, restart with a dropped ball where the match ball was when play stopped. Reason, the other football interfered with the players in your match.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Sean,
the observant referee could consider stopping play before this to avoid unpleasent confrontation. The reasoning the extra ball is considered as an outside agent affecting play. In this case we have a drop ball restart at the point where the ball was at the time of the stoppage.

I will grant you an extra ball inside the goal area as attacking play is in the immediate area should create a stoppage, however, the unfortunate thing since it is a referee's opinion to stop play or not the keeper should concentrate on the incoming game ball not the extra one from another pitch. ESPECIALLY if there is an immediate scoring threat! Because it is not law that the referee reverse a goal simply because the keeper decided to play the second ball. Good judgement perhaps but not a cast in stone decision. CHeers