Question Number: 16751

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 9/17/2007

RE: Grade 8 - Rec Leagues

Rick of Vienna, USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 687

If the goalkeeper had possession of the ball when the play was blown dead due to possible injury - shouldn't the goal keeper be allow to put the ball in play once the match resumed since the keeper was not replaced?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The proper restart when the game is stopped for a reason not elsewhere described in the Laws is a dropped ball. Look at the procedure for a dropped ball found in Law 8 - does it say anywhere who must participate? The ball can be dropped right in front of the goalkeeper to restore the game to a similar condition.

While the referee cannot forbid anyone from participating in a dropped ball, he certainly can use his personality to persuade the opponents that the keeper should be allowed to get it.

At the younger ages, be sure to remind the keeper that he can pick it up. I didn't do this once at a U10 game, I saw the keeper get the "deer in the headlights" look, and in panic he blasted it away - right to the waiting opponent who took it in for a goal. Oops.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

No. The referee stopped play for a cause other than an infringement to the Laws of the Game. Because the referee was the cause for play to stop, then the referee must restart play. The only way a referee can restart play is with a dropped ball. Incidentally, contrary to popular opinion, no one must be by the ball when it is dropped into play by the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If play is stopped for an injury, the only proper restart is a dropped ball. If the keeper had the ball when you blew the whistle you can, in the interest of fair play and also completely within Law, simply drop the ball to the keeper. Keep in mind that no one is required to participate at a dropped ball restart.