Question Number: 19490

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 6/23/2008

RE: Professional

Daniel of Louisville, Kentucky USA asks...

This is not so much a question about the application of a law, but a law itself. I know that kick-offs must be "kicked and move forward" to be allowed, but virtually every single time, it is given a 1 mm roll and then immediately kicked back to the team's own half of the pitch, then play begins. As far as I know, every other restart, expect PKs which have their own specific protocol, can go backwards if the team chooses. I think eliminating this clause would only quicken the game and save unnecessary headaches. Do any of you think that kick-offs should, or will, fall in line with other restarts in the near future?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

This requirement isn't going to change in the long term. It takes a 75% majority of the International FA Board to effect a change of this nature and that just isn't going to happen.

There are no headaches associated with this requirement until players are allowed to ignore it. Changing it will not significantly alter the speed of the match.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Probably not.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Also, penelty kicks must move forward in order for the ball to be put into play. Kick offs must move forward. Any referee allowing the ball to initially be pplayed backwards is simply not doing his/her job