Question Number: 15552

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/21/2007

RE: REC / Comp Under 15

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

When an Oustside Agent enters the pitch, is it ever appropriate to allow play to continue?

Recently in a U-10 Boys match, a young boy decided to cut the last 1/4 off of the field on his bike. I stopped play and yelled for him to clear the field, then restarted with a drop ball.

The intrusion did not risk anything at the moment, but as these games switch directions a dozen times per minute, I had no gaurantee that this would not affect play or endanger those on the field if / when play started back the other way.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The laws of the game are clear that if ball touches outside agent, then we resume with a drop ball at that point. Just because an outside agent is on field does mean the game must be stopped. You were correct for what you did.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If whatever it is interfers with players or touches the ball you must stop play. The correct restart is a dropped ball where it was when play stopped.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

U10's would probably be very distracted by a bicycle on the field with them. With the possible safety issues, you did very well to stop play and get the outside agent out of there before resuming. If the ball were in the air on the way to the net, I might be just a bit slower in stopping things.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

You made the correct choice. The safety of players is our primary concern. If something poses a threat to that safety (like a moving vehical) the match should be suspended until it no longer poses a threat. Restart play with a dropped ball.