Question Number: 22199

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

RE: Rec, AYSO Under 14

David of Flint, Michigan USA asks...

Had a coach question me on a dropped ball today . He seemed to feel that the players taking part should be facing the goal they are attacking? Did a search online and couldn't find any thing stating that. Usually just says 0 to 22 players may take part in the dropped ball, where it should be taken and why you may be doing it.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

what you found was correct. The Law just requires the ball be dropped and no one to everyone may participate and the may face any direction

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee David
There is nothing in the law to instruct the referee how players should position themselves in a dropped ball restart or in fact the number of players that can compete for the ball.
Having said that when I am dropping the ball I would usually do so facing either side line. As a result I would expect that players would naturally line up facing the goal they are attacking and with their own back to the goal line. That is the natural position in challenging for the ball in normal play.

I do this also because it is important to have a view of most players and the goals so the side on position is best. Its easier to get out of the way also

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Interesting. If two players are on opposite sides of the ball to be dropped, how can both of them be facing the goal?

Now, the referee may want to face that way, so she is in position to see if the ball heads toward the goal, but it doesn't matter a whit which way the players are facing - and you can tell him we said so!

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

On a dropped ball, players can be and face anywhere they want.