Question Number: 13010

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 6/11/2006

RE: rec Under 11

SFC Mo of McHenry, Il USA asks...

A player got injured from the defending team just as a shot was taken on goal. The goalkeeper caught the ball cleanly and was about to punt when the whistle was blown to stop play for the injury. What was the correct restart????
A drop ball in front of the goal or
An Indirect free kick by the goalkeeper

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Dropped ball where the keeper caught it unless inside the goal area where it would come out to the six yard line. The referee should have told the keeper to release it before blowing the whistle. Of course, had this been me and I blew the quick whistle I'd have likewise quickly dropped the ball to the keeper to restart play after the injured player had left the field. Remember, there's no rule that states ther have to be ANY players at a dropped ball. The sporting thing to do in this case would be to drop it quietly and quickly to the keeper.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Dropped ball, tend to the injured player no matter what at this age. Things are just more pleasant when you do it that way. Restart with a dropped ball as Ref Contarino advises. The goalkeeper should be the only player with you at that point.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Drop ball is only restart. Keith mentioned to let the keeper punt it before blowing the whistle to avoid the drop ball near goal. An alternative option that I like to use is to drop ball in front of keeper and allow keeper to pick it up. If the defending team has any sportsmanship, they will back off and understand why they should back off - the keeper had it. Then you resume the game as you would have. I will explain to the keeper that I am going to drop it for him to pick up and then quickly drop it before other team can come close. If they question it, Ijust explain to the players what I am doing. It is whats right w/i spirit of game. As Always,