Question Number: 23599

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/2/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Peter of Stockton, CA USA asks...

Hi

What is the correct way to handle a drop ball restart? I have always dropped the ball between two players, one from each team, and then they have 'fought for the ball'. I have not seen this done in the WC, and I am wondering if there is a better way to handle this restart.

Cheers

Peter

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Peter
You are indeed restarting in the proper manner. With the advent of fair play many teams now chose not to contest a dropped ball restart but rather agree for the ball to be given back to the team in possession or agree what team should receive the ball. That results in uncontested dropped ball restarts. I personally favour contested ones as there is less to manage for the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Young players expect a contested dropped ball. As the players gain more experience, they are used to a sporting restart - returning the ball to the team in possession when the referee stops play for an injury. The referee cannot dictate sporting play, but can support it when the players follow it. It is a good practice, however, when the player announces that he will be kicking the ball back to the opposing team after the uncontested dropped ball - - bad feelings can result if one teammate doesn't get the word that the ball is being given back to the opponents..

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Remember that Law 8 does not dictate how many players, from either or both teams, may be present at a dropped ball, and the referee cannot dictate how many there should be.

There are situations where the referee can suggest or ask teams to do one thing or another as a sporting matter, but cannot and should not require it. Do remember the referee always has the duty to determine if the ball has been put into play correctly, and if not, to retake the dropped ball.