Question Number: 24304

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 11/10/2010

RE: Select Under 14

Todd of Houston, TX USA asks...

Laws 8 and 13 clearly state that on kick-offs and both direct and indirect free kicks the ball must be stationary before the kick is taken. What about goal kicks, penalty kicks and corner kicks?

As long as the ball was in the proper position at the time the kick is taken, would a moving ball on these restarts constitute an infringement, and, if so, would it sometimes or always be trifling?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The ball must be stationary for goal kicks, penalty kicks and corner kicks as well.

I once asked a national assessor why a moving ball in the defensive third shouldn't be ignored as trifling. He replied, 'it isn't trifling to the players.'

In the years that passed, I've noted that the same players who ignore the placement of a ball a couple yards from the correct restart in the defensive third will all howl if the ball is still rolling. The master was right; it isn't trifling to the players.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Todd
On all kicked resarts the ball must be at rest. Some Laws don't expressly state that but implied knowledge along with player's understanding of the game confirms that it must be at rest.
Allow a player to take any of the restarts with a moving ball and see the reaction that it evokes. That is the clearest signal that it is not trifling.