Question Number: 25708

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 11/5/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

Theo Hatzipetros of Cambridge, MA USA asks...

The ball was headed towards the touchline but before it was completely out of the field of play the coach picked it up and gave to to his player for a quick throw-in. I blew my wistle and gave an indirect kick to the opposing team. Did I make the right call? Was more action necessary?
Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Law 12 states every offence you can give an indirect free kick for (except for situations where a player has touched the ball after putting it into play). The couch touching the ball is not one of them.

As the coach interfering with play is not mentioned anywhere in the laws, it comes under Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play

Definition of dropped ball:
A dropped ball is a method of restarting play when, while the ball is still in play,
the referee is required to stop play temporarily for any reason not mentioned
elsewhere in the Laws of the Game.

You should have awarded a drop ball and firmly told the coach to remain further back from the field.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Actually the coach is treated the same as an outside agent for the purpose of the restart. That means it should have been a dropped ball restart.

The difference between team staff and true outside agents is that coaches can be cited for misconduct. You should have officially warned the coach for not behaving in a responsible manner (equivalent to a caution for a player, but cards are not shown to coaches). His behavior should be included in your match report. You could also opt to give him a verbal warning the first time: "Coach, make sure the ball is out!"

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Theo
The correct restart here is a dropped ball. Technical staff cannot commit a foul so it cannot be an indirect free kick. Had a substitute stopped the ball then the substitute is cautioned and the restart is an indirect free kick from where the ball was when play was stopped.
In this situation the referee should speak to the coach informing him that his action was unacceptable. Any repeat of poor behaviour would result in him being removed from the technical area

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Nope. The correct restart is a dropped ball. Whenever a coach, parent, spectator, dog,cat, bird etc. touch a ball that is in play, play stops and the restart is a dropped ball.

At U15 the coach should know better but probably the referee need only have a quick word with him and tell him to stay further off the field so as not to touch a ball still in play. He has already cost his team a possession and unless he has done this before I see no reason for any formal punishment.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

If you stopped play because the coach touched the ball, then the correct restart is a dropped ball. An IFK would be appropriate if the ball was touched on the field by a substitute.

In this case, the coach affected play. He picked up the ball (in play) and handed it to his player. The actions gave his team an unwarranted opportunity for a quick throw-in. But, assume that the throw-in was for the other team, and the coach handed the ball to the opponent. Is there any reason to stop play? Yes, the coach did wrong. But, it made no difference. The referee in that situation might simply ignore the interference and let the players enjoy the game.