Question Number: 15396

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/6/2007

RE: Competitive Premier League Adult

Mitchell Billing of Launceston, Tasmania Australia asks...

On the weekend I was dumbstruck to find that my team had conceded a goal from a quick kick off catching our players unaware.

The situation was simple but needs clarification as I believe the referee was caught out or even intimidated into awarding a goal.

My team has just scored a goal and were celebrating while making their way back to the centre. The opposing team spotted the ball and without the sounding of the whistle kicked the ball directly into the net for a goal. Firstly, we had at least one player definately still on their side of the field for which the ref stated he didn't see anyone so I suppose I go on his word. But the main issue is the whistle not being blown. He stated a half time that he doesn't have to blow it and had verbally said they could restart. Again no one hear this and I took his word again.

Fortunately we still won but I need to know if this ruling is fact for future. My goalkeeper was still walking backwards and near the top of the box.

Hopefully you can assist please.

Mitchell

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Might I respectfully suggest that you save your celebrations until after the game is done. That way you'll be back into position for the kickoff.

Does the ref have to whistle? - no, but that is the traditional signal. If the ref whistled for other kickoffs, it would certainly be reasonable that you would expect him to whistle for this kickoff.

The fact that one of your players was still not back on your half of the field is a bigger issue than the whistle. It is stated in the Laws that everyone must be on their own half of the field. Of course if the ref didn't see that, well, what can you do. If the ref did see it, that player might be cautioned for delaying the restart - but you'd probably decide it was better for him to "take one for the team" rather than you being scored against.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Personally, I do not use a whistle when restarting play after a goal has been scored. I do tend to pay attention to where everyone is because Law 8 demands I ensure all players are in their own half before I allow a restart. The reason I don't whistle is because the whistle, meaning stop or GO, usually leads to encroachment by the defending side, this I abhor.

My mechanic is to stand at the ball and write in my book; check where the players are, especially the opposing keeper; check with both assistants [and fourth if present] to see if they are OK with restarting. At that point I look to the player over the ball and ask if he is ready. If so I back out of the way, make one last check to see if anyone is inside the centre circle then say "Play".

That's the signal. There is no encroachment. If is fair and I do it every time. If defenders are caught out, so be it -- we came to the park to play football, not muck about. Now if the match referee does that every time AND he honestly didn't see your players then you were caught in celebration, tend to that in practise next week. If he screwed the pooch and lied, he knows it and he was caught out by your asking -- I hope he sees this answer.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Let's see what Law 8 says. Specifically, ALL players must be on their own side of the field AND the referee MUST give a signal. Doesn't have to be a whistle although I personally always say "wait for my whistle" on a kick off to ensure they wait until I have written eberything I need in my book. You see Ref Fleischer disagree as to mechanics but we agree there MUST be a signal. If your referee said he signalled then this is a valid goal