Question Number: 15473

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/14/2007

RE: REC Under 15

Ron Koch of Soux City, IA USA asks...

When certified, I was told that the first kick of the kick-off did not necessarily have to go forward, But that this had been interpreted back and forth from one way to another. Could you please give me your take on this?

After re-reading Law 8 believe that as saying YES, it does have to go forward, but not limited by how far. Thus some kids starting by placing a foot on top of the ball so that it rocks forward, could actually be allowing the next to touch as many times as they want after they run ahead.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

My take doesn't matter and you were told incorrectly. Straight from Law 8 a kick off "the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward." No interpretation here. It has to be a kicking motion OR the ball has to clearly go forward if the player uses his foot as you describe.

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Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The ball must move forward and it is not in play until it does. If it starts out backwards, then the correct restart is a rekick.

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Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

A kick-off must be kicked and move forward to be in play. Anything else requires the kick-off to be taken again.

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