Question Number: 24944

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/14/2011

RE: Rec Under 17

Peter of Great Falls, Virginia United States asks...

Hi,

I was recently officiating a game where a player 'double touched' after a kick-off. He rolled it forward over the line, waited a few seconds, and then began playing the ball. I blew the whistle and called for an IFK, as it is my understanding that this is the correct restart for a 'double touch'.

After the game, my AR explained to me in a somewhat snide tone that this was the wrong call, and I should have let the offending team retake the kick-off. Who is right?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Peter
Had you been sure of the Law you could have told him that he was incorrect and to go look up Law 8 .
If the player taking the kick-off touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the position of the ball when the 'double touch' occurred.
It is only in the event of any other infringement of the kick-off procedure that the kick-off is retaken

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Snide tones don't increase accuracy. Your decision was correct under the laws.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Ask your AR in any manner you wish the following:

1. Was the ball put into play? Yes it was kicked and moved forwards
2. Did any other player touch the ball before the kicker took off with the ball? No
3. Can you read? If he says yes, tell him to read page 28 of the current Laws Of The game. If he says No, just shake your head and walk away