Question Number: 19674

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 8/1/2008

RE: Under 12

Joseph Mooney of Caloundra, Queensland Australia asks...

If there is a game going on someone runs onto the field does the referee give a drop-ball or what happens then?

Thanks,

Joseph, U12's

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the referee must stop play because of the intruder (who is called an 'outside agent' in referee-speak), the correct restart is a dropped ball, at the location of the ball when play was stopped. It is quite possible that there would be no need to stop play. If for example a spectator's hat blows onto the field and she runs a few yards to retrieve it, but doesn't get in the way of the players or the ball, you don't need to stop play.

The outside agent must be dealt with. In a pro match, that would mean stadium security would escort him from the field, and perhaps he would be arrested for trespassing. In a youth game, it might be that the referee would instruct the coach to have the spectator removed from the surrounds of the field.

If the intruder is someone on the team, it will be dealt with by the referee directly. A substitute or substituted player would be cautioned for unsporting behavior - and the restart would then be an indirect free kick. If it was a coach or manager, the referee would dismiss the person from the game (equivalent to a send-off, but the red card is not shown) - and the coach would be suspended from at least the next game as well. In either case, the referee would report the incident to the proper authorities.