Question Number: 23107

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/12/2010

RE: Competive Under 19

Donovan of Wayzata, MN U.S.A> asks...

My question;

On a drop ball. can a double touch occur.

Two players present for drop ball, once the ball has been dropped can either of the kickers touch the ball again. or does it have to be once another player other than the two that were involved with the original drop ball.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Once the ball touches the ground, there is no restriction on who/how the ball can be played. Since the ball is 'put in play' by the referee, there is no reason to worry about a 'second touch' by the original kicker.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

A drop ball is not like any other restart, and on these occasions it isn't actually the player who puts the ball into play - rather the ball is automatically in play once it touches the ground.

Often when play has been stopped for an injury a team will stand back to allow the other team to have control at a drop ball - it is quite legal for the player to dribble the ball away here.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Donovan
Double touch violations does not apply to dropped balls. The ball is in play when it touches the ground so a player can dribble the ball away.