Question Number: 16260

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 8/10/2007

RE: grade 8 Under 17

doug hart of indian river, mi cheboygan asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16012

on the kick off, can the kicking player roll the ball forward, then without removing his foot, send it backwards [16012]

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Can he? Yes. Is it permissible? Absolutely not. Retake the kickoff, as the ball was never put into play. It must be kicked forward, not rolled with the foot. That business with them pulling it back - I'm not even going to go there. And if he, or anyone else, tries that shenanigan again after once being warned, test them for color blindness. Sheesh. It's just a restart - why do the players have to try and make it so complicated?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Doug,
if he does, expect the kick off to be retaken! The forward motion was not a kick and the same player could not legally play the ball back. A warning to not repeat the conduct would also be included in the retake!
Cheers