Question Number: 30145

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 2/25/2016

RE: Rec Under 9

Victoria of Rowlett, Texas United States of America asks...

What is the correct restart if the play must be stopped for an injured player that wasn't fouled.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Victoria
When the referee stops play during the game for an injury the restart is a dropped ball from where the ball was when play was stopped.
At Under 9 U Littles may not fully understand what a dropped ball or the mechanics is so the referee may have to try to get play restarted in the fairest and easiest manner possibly with the team in possession. In High School games the restart is an indirect free kick to the team in possession which I like. It can also can be waiting a few seconds to see if there is a natural stoppage or indeed if the injury is a result of a knock then a free kick may be appropriate.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Victoria,
the drop ball restart is one used to deal with play stopped for an injury or outside intervention with no foul. While the INDFK restart is something utilized in high school for rthe team that had possession it can lead to unintended scoring opportunities. A drop ball is essentially allowing the ball to drop on the ground at the point the ball was at the time of the stoppage , one or both teams can contest but often the coaches know who should be in possession and can have their players not participate. I have seen fair play restarts utilized even at youth where the ball is nudged into touch in favor of the team with ball possession.
Cheers