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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 17167

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 10/7/2007

RE: Competive Under 17

Steve Cerretani of Howell, NJ USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 777

Is it true that there is no minimum or maximum number of players from either team that can participate in a "drop ball?"

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Yes, that's true. However, I would be remiss if I didn't also say that a referee is not going to allow 11 players to stand around him and crowd the dropped ball for practical reasons, which should obvisouly clear.



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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

No specific number of players is required by the Laws of the Game. NFHS rules (US high school) requires 1 per team.

I've dropped the ball to zero players once, when I couldn't get the attention of the U8 rug-rats. I dropped the ball and loudly stated, "We're playing!"



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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

That would be true. All the Law requires is the ball be dropped and not played until it hits the ground. In the ineterest of fair play you will often see a referee drop the ball to one player or the keeper. The referee is also free to drop the ball with no players present and announce play has started. I also have done this on occasion.



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