The Start and Restart of Play Law 8 The Start and Restart of Play

Objectives At the end of this lesson the student will: demonstrate a properly dropped ball state the proper position of players at a kick-off given examples, identify improper kick-offs and the proper restart for each situation, if necessary

Prior to the Start of the Match, The Officiating Team Check the Ball Team Introductions Check the Field

COIN TOSS Introductions Referee tosses coin, who calls it? Traditionally the visiting captain Winner picks end to attack Loser gets to kick-off Be friendly, cordial and brief Do not coach or lecture Start game on time

pre-game threats, lectures or rules clinics. COIN TOSS “Now, before we start, let’s briefly review Law 12, Fouls and Misconduct…” Please! No pre-game threats, lectures or rules clinics. 5

KICK-OFF MECHANICS Prior to kick-off (3 - 5 minutes) Referee team enters field together Moves to center mark Referee carries match ball AR’s move to goal and check nets AR’s move to touch line

Referee Carries Match Ball, A/Rs Flags Furled

KICK-OFF MECHANICS (cont.) One minute before kick-off: Assistant Referees supervise bench area line up with 2nd last defender count players in their half unfurl flag to signal readiness Referee supervises clearing of the field visually checks with AR’s for readiness

KICK-OFF MECHANICS (cont.) At kick-off: Each team in own half of field Defenders at least 10 yards from ball Ball stationary on center mark Referee gives a signal for kick-off (How?) Ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward Kicker can stand in the opponents half at the kick-off

KICK-OFF DIRECTIONS {Note: It is now acceptable to kick the ball backwards}

KICK-OFFS When: Start of game After each goal Start of second half By team scored upon Start of second half After teams have switched ends By team that did not kick-off in first half Start of each overtime period A goal may be scored directly from a kick-off

INFRACTIONS AT KICK-OFF Defending Players in wrong half of field Ball does not move forward Taken before referee’s signal Retake the kick Kicker plays ball a second time “double touch” - IFK to opponent {Remember: It is now acceptable for Kicker to stand in the opponents half at the kick-off}

DROPPED BALL A dropped ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporary stoppage which becomes necessary, while the ball is in play, for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game

DROPPED BALL PROCEDURES Referee drops ball (from waist high) Where ball was when play was stopped (except in goal area) No players required (2 players traditional) Re-drop if: touched by player before it hits ground ball leaves field before touched

REVIEW Coin toss Who calls it? What choice does the winner have? brief and cordial Who calls it? Traditionally the visitor calls it. What choice does the winner have? Which goal it will attack What will the loser get to do? Kick off in the first half.

REVIEW At the kick-off: Where are the players? Players are in their own half of field How far away are the defenders at least 10 yards from ball When is the ball in play? When it is kicked forward Can a goal be scored directly? Yes Must there be a signal for play to start?

REVIEW Any infractions (except 2nd touch) Retake the kick 2nd touch by kicker IFK for opponents Dropped ball for undefined stoppages Where does the dropped ball take place? When is the ball in play? What happens if a player “double touches” the ball? Who can participate? How many can? Where the ball was when play was stopped. The ball is in play when it touches the ground. A player can touch the ball more than once on a dropped ball. Any player may participate, ball may be dropped between two players but no players are required. Dropped ball to a single player is allowed.