Question Number: 15475

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

RE: Competive Under 12

Jeff of East Patchogue, NY USA asks...

I recently had a situation (after an injury) where the referee restarted with a drop ball. It was the proper call for the situation, but instead of dropping the ball the ref threw the ball at least 2 yards away from the two players waiting to take the drop ball. The ref actually gave an advantage to the other team as the ball rolled inside the box and toward my net. At the half I asked the ref about this and was told her interpretation of the rule was that there was no rule on how it should be dropped. She said it could be thrown anywhere on the field. Is this correct???

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

It is hard to fathom how anyone can interpret a meaning for the word drop that's other than let go of it.

Advice to referees offers US referees this written policy on how to drop the football:

8.5 DROPPED BALL

There is no requirement that players from both teams -- or that any player -- must take part at a dropped ball.

A dropped ball must be "dropped," not thrown down. The referee should hold the ball in the palm of his hand at waist level with the other hand on top of the ball. At the proper moment, the referee should then pull away the hand beneath the ball and let it drop, taking care that the players do not play it until it has hit the ground. If the dropped ball leaves the field without having been played, the ball must be dropped again where it was previously dropped. The goalkeeper may participate at dropped balls.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The ball should be dropped, not thrown. The ball must touch the ground before it is in play.

Ref Fleischer has it right above.