Question Number: 17234

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

RE: Various Adult

Al W of Victoria, BC Canada asks...

My first game as ref was with 9-10 year olds. I was 15 at the time.

During the game, a dog wandered onto the field and proceeded to lay down just behind the goal line. About the same time, an opposing player took a shot, which made it past the goalkeeper and hit the dog. The ball did not cross the goal line (although it most certainly would have if the dog not been there). Luckly, my dad (also a ref) was running line and was able to provide some assistance.

I stopped play and after getting rid of the dog, restarted with a drop ball on the goal line (much to the chagrin of the parents who thought the non-goal should have been counted)

This incident occurred a number of years ago, but I don't think the laws regarding outside agents has changed much since then.

Always wondered if that was in fact the correct call?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The dropped ball was correct but the location was wrong. Remember when you read the Laws Of The Game that throughout you keep seeing the phrase "Unless covered by the Special Circumstances listed in Law 8". Law 8 tells us that the dropped ball in this case would come out to the six yard line because the reason for the stoppage occured inside the goal area.