Question Number: 21122

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/12/2009

RE: Rec Under 8

Justin of Columbia, MO Boone asks...

What are the rules for defensive player placement during kick-off? Can players be placed anywhere on their side of the field, save inside the center field circle?
I recently played against a coach who lined up all of his players just in front of the goalie box.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You have the Law correctly - anywhere on their own half of the field, at least X* yards from the ball, which is the radius of the center circle.

Kickoffs at U8 are often blast-n-run affairs. If the opponents are positioned down near their goal, they have a better chance of recovering the ball than if they were near the half line beside the circle.

* X = 10 yards for full-sized field play, but at U8 this is often reduced in the rules.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Are you saying the opposing team was defending the kick? If so they can certainly put all their players inside the goal area. The only requirement for the defenders is they be at least 10 yards from the ball when it is kicked and they be in their own half of the field. The kicking team can put there players ANYWHERE in their half of the field.