Question Number: 13101

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 6/19/2006

RE: mostly rec - some competitive Under 19

Jan Hillsberg of New York, New York USA asks...

Two questions if I may. The first - I don't like to blow my whistle unless I have to. On the kickoff(s) I just nod my head and play begins. Another ref told me that you must blow the whistle at the start of every kickoff - so I have been starting to do this. Is he correct?

2nd question - when the ball goes out of bounds - it is of course out of bounds. Sometimes, on the field of play, I notice the ball barely going over the line and as the two players continue to play - the ball goes back in. This has occurred in midfield - and it almost seems that stopping the play would be trivial because it feels like in this instance, the flow could continue.Do you have any thoughts on this?

Thanks,

Jan

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Jan I'm with you in not blowing for a kick off, unless it begins the period of play -- then blow. Regarding the ball crossing a field boundary, it is no longer in play you have to do something to stop play and restart as appropriate.

In the event you fail to stop play and a match is protested because you didn't enforce the Laws of the Game you will have no argument that will save you. Do the right thing, the players deserve it. It ain't trivial.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I too do not use a whistle to start play on a kick off. You should whistle to begin each halve however. After a goal, I look at the players and say "go ahead". This prevents encroachment on the kick off. You must stop play though if the whole ball crosses line.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jan,
whistle the start of each half regulation or extra time. It sets a tradition and standard where all those who follow along can set the clocks.

On goals scored no ned to whistle just be CLEAR, players in own halves and no 10 yard violations good to go!

However if during dynamic play a ball leaves the field into touch even if by a small margine that is a LOSS of posession and is NOT trivial. If you are certain it is OUT, you stop play and restart accordingly. If you are not sure then so be it, play continues.
Your ARs must be looking down ther line and should make that call easier than a CR.
Cheers