Question Number: 19099

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/16/2008

RE: Competitive Under 14

Noel of Windsor, Ontario Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 18996

For an (non-foul) injury, what is the 'proper' procedure?

Thanks,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If it is severe - ref stops play and restarts with a drop ball. If the injury is slight, then the play continues until ball ceases to be in play.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

In addition to the two possibilities Ref Mueller tells us, the referee may authorize a hurting but not seriously injured player to leave the field for treatment. The player could come back onto the field with the ref's permission, or a substitute could be made at a stoppage.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Ah, and I add that it is the referee's opinion of whether the injury requires play to be stopped that matters, and that the ball will be then dropped where it was when play was stopped, unless in the goal area - see special circumstances in Law 8. The referee should take into consideration the age and skill level of the players in making such decisions.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

And, if the referee does stop play for an injury the injured player is removed from the field whether or not a physio, doctor, manager, parent or coach enters the field.

Regards