Question Number: 21501

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 6/8/2009

RE: Competitive Under 10

Eric of Plymouth, MN USA asks...

At the start of the game (or half), the rules state the ball must move 'forward'. My question is can my center forward pass the ball to a wing on the same side of the field (on same side of center line)? OR, does the start of play require the ball to be kicked from our side of field to the other side of the field (from our side of center line to opposing side)? If you can just tell me what is allowed and what is not allowed, that would help greatly. Thanks!!

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The ball must move in a forward direction, but it does not have to completely cross the halfway line into the opponent's half. A small movement forward is enough.

But, it is difficult for the referee to judge that the ball moved forward when it travels a long distance and doesn't even cross the halfway line. It will appear to have moved horizontally or backwards to the wing.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Most infractions that happen at kickoff are trifling. If the ball rolls directly down the half line, does that really have an impact on the game? What does someone gain by being a half step across the line? Not much.

If the ball has not clearly been kicked backwards, then for me it satisfies 'forward' in the Spirit of the Laws.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Here's what the law says;

Kick-off
A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play:
? at the start of the match
? after a goal has been scored
? at the start of the second half of the match
? at the start of each period of extra time, where applicable
A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.
Procedure
? all players must be in their own half of the fi eld of play
? the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least 9.15 m
(10 yds) from the ball until it is in play
? the ball must be stationary on the centre mark
? the referee gives a signal
? the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward
? the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another
player

So, the answer to your question is no. At your age level, I would be strict in my interpretation and make the kicker retake any kick that did not clearly move forward as part of the referee's job at U10 is instructional. At higher levels, it's trifling so if the kick doesn't go backwards I'm ok with it

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

See Question: 22658