Question Number: 13070

Character, Attitude and Control 6/17/2006

RE: compettive Under 14

cody of chicago, illinois united states asks...

if a player on the opposing team is down should the player with the ball on the opposing sides kick the ball out of bounds?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

There is no law or rule that says that, but most times it is good sportsmanship to do that. Than the team throws the ball back in to the team that kicked it out. As Always,

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Yeah, good sportsmanship. Used to be a player left the field under his own power if able, if not the referee stopped play. Football has come a long way since those times, now a player that needs to blow his nose falls to the floor and moans, someone kicks the ball out of play and presto - a tissue is delivered.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

That would be the sporting thing to do. However, at this age group, the coach has to have explained this to the players.