Question Number: 21316

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/10/2009

RE: Rec Under 13

rob of mount joy, PA USA asks...

Are my players allowed to move around on our own side of the midfield line prior to, and during a kick-off. i.e. to confuse the defense could I have my left and right wings switch sides just prior to kick-off then have my center kick-off the ball while my wings are still in motion and utilize it as a tactic to gain the forward motion against the opposing team at the start of play from midfield.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

On your side of the field your players can dippsy the doodle as often they wish but the referee might be waiting for you to achieve positions so expect a referee to perhaps wonder what it is you are doing. You are required to be 10 yards away from the restart on the opposition possesion so no running through the centre circle. On your own possession you have free range on your side of the field until the ball is kicked into play then open season everywhere! As a coach myself I see no possible tactical reason to do as you suggest, off the ball movement while certainly strategic in design should have a specific purpose.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play is pretty simple. For kickoffs: all players are in their own half of the field, opponents must be at least 10 yards from the ball (that's what the circle is for), and the ball must be stationary on the center mark. At the referee's signal, the ball is to be kicked and moved forward, and at that point the ball is in play and the players can leave their respective half of the field.

Nowhere in any of these procedures is there a restriction on player movement on either side. Just be sure your players do not cross the halfway line before the ball is kicked, or we'll have to do it all over again. Don't wear them out with too much pre-tactical running.

Enjoy...

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the referee gives the signal to proceed with the kick, the team should do so. If the kicker waits for her teammates to run about excessively before taking the kick, it could be viewed as delaying the restart, a cautionable offense.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Coach I don't know why you think any of this gives you tactical advantage but your players are free to dance, pirouette, break dance, jump up and down and anything else they want outside of taunting or doing anything unsporting.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 21412