Question Number: 15419

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

RE: Rec Under 11

Richard Boudrie of Ida, Michigan United States asks...

If a spectator runs out onto the field and stops the ball one-foot from the goal line, preventing a goal, what it the proper game restart?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Dropped ball on the long edge of the goal area (the "6-yard-line") directly in front of where interference with play occurred. Prior to the restart the ref will ensure that the spectator is told to leave the field and surrounds.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

When the "outside agent" touches the ball play is stopped. The restart of play is dropped ball at the point on the long line of the goal area nearest where it was when touched. The referee is not permitted to award a goal. If this was a professional league match the spectator would be removed by the authorities.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Drop ball from the location where the ball touched outside agent. If it occurred in goal area, then the drop ball occurs on the top of the goal area line at the closest point to the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

You must give a dropped ball at the top of the goal area line closest to the point where the ball was touched by the outside interference. If this is a professional game you can see if the police will arrest this person for trespassing (pitch invasion). If a local game the person must be told to leave and not return. If they fail to do this you will have no choice but to terminate the game.

In either case the circumstances should be reported fully in the referee's report.