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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 28179

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 2/16/2014

RE: Rec Under 11

Adam of Louisville, OH USA asks...

Can a goal be scored directly from the midfield kickoff? This being the kick to start each quarter or half or the kick after a goal? I always thought that it could not be and that the first person to touch the ball had to pass it and make sure that when he did that the ball went forward of the halfway/center line.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The kickoff at the start of the half or following a goal by the other team has been a direct kick for well over a decade now.

However, you mention 'quarters'. Since there are no quarters in the Laws of the Game, only halves, I presume you are playing under local league rules. As I recall, AYSO uses quarters for the younger ages, and other recreational leagues may do so as well.

So your league may have also modified the kickoff to be indirect. You'd have to check the local competition rules.



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Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Adam
A goal can be scored directly from a kick off. There is no requirement for the ball to be 'touched' by a teammate. The ball is in play when it is kicked forward.
Now at underage the competition organisers amend the Laws of the Game in small sided games to encourage more play by teams. These amendments can include making the kick off an indirect kick.



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