Question Number: 16870

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 9/24/2007

RE: Competitive Under 14

Fred Algar of Johnson City, Tennessee USA asks...

Kick off a defending team moves into center circle just as attacking team kicks ball forward, referee signals for a retake, ball kicked backwards by attacking team, referee signals for defending team to now take kick off as an indirect kick. Seems to me it should have been another retake by attacking team. What should it have been?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

On the first transgression of the opponents entering the circle too early, the referee should decide whether the infringement is trifling before stopping play. Assuming it was not, the correct restart is a retake of the kickoff.

The same applies to the kicking team going backward. The restart was never taken, so it must be repeated.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Sounds like an oopsie on the part of the referee. Kickoffs have to be kicked forward to be in play - if they are not, the kick must be retaken. The referee can't give it to the other team in this instance because play hasn't restarted in such a way that he can award the kick differently. Be sure to check with the assignor for the referee so this can be covered with the referee - we all need to learn what we've done wrong.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The referee stopped play for the infringement and ordered a retake. probably trifling but within Law. At the retake, the kicking team kicks the ball backwards. Here the referee needs a refresher course. Ball was never put in play as it has to be kicked and moved forwards. HSould have been another retake.