Question Number: 23094

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/11/2010

RE: Competitive Under 10

Jack Cella of denver, colorado us asks...

In the case of a drop ball, I am under the impression that one player from each team competes for the ball upon the drop of the referee and all other players must be 10 yards from the drop.

Is this true or can all the players be as close as they want?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jack
Thanks for asking the question and seeking clarification on this. The knowledge of dropped balls has been lost due to most DBs now being uncontested and I'm afraid your wrong on both counts. Any player may challenge for the ball (including the goalkeeper) and there is no minimum or maximum number of players required to contest a dropped ball.
The referee does not decide who may or may not contest a dropped ball and both teams could have all their players within 10 yards if they so wish.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

What seems logical is occasionally not what the Law requires. It seems logical that one player from each team would be present for a dropped ball, and that all other members should stand back a bit - even 10 yards. However, there is no requirement regarding the number of players or lack of players at a dropped ball or any distance requirements, either.

The dropped ball is the only restart performed by the referee, and the requirements are simple. The ball must be dropped by the referee at the spot where the ball was when play was stopped, subject to the special requirements of the goal area, and the ball must hit the ground to be in play. If the ball does not hit the ground before it is kicked/hit by a player, then we must re-drop the ball.

The referee may suggest that only one player from each team may participate, or may suggest that the ball was last in the keeper's possession, and thus it will be dropped solely to him, which the opponent would also appreciate if it was their own keeper. However, no requirement or order by the referee to that affect may be made.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

There is no requirement under the laws of the game regarding how many can participate in a dropped ball or where any players must stand. The referee may not dictate who may contest a dropped ball. Some referees try to manage a 'sporting' restart after an injury, but should not. It is up to the players to decide how the dropped ball will be contested. OTOH, the referee may choose when to drop the ball, and may do so when there is only one player at the correct location.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Coach. I'd like to know where you're getting your misinformation from. At the taking of a dropped ball no one is required to participate nor is there a maximum number for each team