Question Number: 15107

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/2/2007

RE: competive Adult

francisco rodriguez of elgin, il usa asks...

me played the playoffs last saturday
we tied in regular time and we went to overtime.
we score a goal in the 5 minutes overtime period while celbreting the goal on the opposite side of the field (we were celebreting on the opponents side of the field by the opponent goakeeper)
the other team run with the ball and score a goal. we think that we had to be on our side of the field before they can restart the game (with in 6 seconds)please let me know if im wrong

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Francisco,

If I understand you correctly the referee allowed the opposing team to restart very quickly with a kick off almost immediately after gettingt he ball out of their netted area and spotted on the centre mark at mid field? This lead to a tying goal in overtime?

Technically all players must be with their half of the field at kick off. To restart a match with a kick off with players not on the field or on the wrong side of the field is NOT a good thing as it could be protested.

The referee should be able to add or stop time if required and reasonable celebration is a part of the game ! IF the referee felt your celebration was excessive , cautions could be considered with yellow cards shown to those responsible and a warning to not delay the restart and get back playing!

Not certain where you get the 6 seconds from? As far as I know it only applies to the length of time a keeper can keep handled possession of the ball during play? I really do not know if you are right or wrong but the situation appears messy to me!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The referee should wait until your side is in their half of the park. If he feels your side is delaying the restart of play he is free to caution those involved in a lengthy celebration or add time or both. A proactive [I hate that word] referee will be in the middle of the celebration telling it to cease and get back in their own half...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You are correct. the referee could have cautioned and shown the yellow card to your players for unsporting behavior or wasting time but he CANNOT restart play until all 11 of your players are on their side of the field and at least 10 yards from the ball