Question Number: 16006

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/12/2007

Bruce Clifford of Toronto, ON Canada asks...

If someone is walking by the edge of the goal line near the goal, and the ball is deflected off of that person (ball remains in the field of play)... Play on?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

If the person is an outside agent the correct restart is a drop ball. If it was a player say recieving treatment or fixing equipment if the contact was accidental then play on. If it was a substitute or if the player deliberately allowed the ball to hit him it is an iNDFK with caution!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Who is the "someone"? If a player or a referee, then play continues.

If the someone is a spectator, coach, substitute or a player who has requested permission to temporarily be off the field, then this is a case of outside interference. The restart also depends on who it was. If a player or sub, then it is an indirect free kick after cautioning the person who touched the ball. Else it would be a dropped ball.

As my colleague says, if it was accidental we may allow play to continue, and the caution wouldn't be required.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Depends who that someone is. If it is a player, then yes (unless offside is called). If it is the referee...yes. If it is anyone else, then whistle should blow for interference and the following actions taken:

1. IFK at spot of ball for not guilty team if it is a substitute. Caution and remove guilty player.
2. Drop ball if it is anyone besideds player or sub at spot of ball.