LAW 8 - THE START & RESTART OF PLAY
LAW 8 RESTART CHART
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Prior to Kick Off:

Referee Team:

  • Enters field together and moves to center mark for any pregame ceremonies
Click on this picture for a video about kick-off procedures

Referee:

  • Carries match ball, introduces officiating crew to captains and conducts coin toss
  • Records results of coin toss decision, announces direction and team responsible for initial kick-off

Assistant Referees:

  • Have flags furled at side
  • Record results of coin toss
  • Perform final check of nets

During Minute Before Kick-Off:

Referee:

  • Scans players and the field and makes eye contact with ARs to ensure readiness

Assistant Referees:

  • Move to correct position on touch line (in line with second to last defender), unfurl flags and hold them straight down in view of the Referee to indicate readiness for the initial kick-off (correct number of players, clearly identified goalkeeper, etc.)
  • Respond to eye contact by the Referee to indicate that their area of the field is ready and they are prepared for the start of play

Kick-Off:

Referee:

  • Reads the players' positioning to determine exactly where to stand, starts watch and signals for the kick-off to be taken
  • Attention focused on immediate play and alert to unexpectedly early fouls, misconduct or goal

Assistant Referees:

  • Even with the second to last defender

Meet with the Captains:

  • Introduce yourself and the rest of the referee team. 
  • Have the players introduce themselves. 
  • Ask if there are any questions. 
  • Quickly inform the captains of any special circumstances (e.g., tournament rules, overtime periods, field conditions). 
  • Perform the coin flip.

This is not the time for threats, lectures, or rules clinics.  This meeting should be very short and concise but still professional.

  
 

Coin Toss - The following steps are recommended for performing the coin toss:

  1. Show both sides of the coin to both sets of captains, making sure to indicate which side is heads and which side is tails
  2. Determine which captain is making the call
  3. Inform "caller" to say "heads" or "tails" while the coin is in the air
  4. Flip the coin.  Some referees like to catch the coin while others let the coin hit the ground.  Both have positives and negatives.  You will need to decide for yourself which you prefer. 
  5. Repeat the caller's choice while coin is in the air.
  6. Inspect coin and ask winning captain "which goal they wish to attack?"

Drop Ball:
The drop ball is the way to restart play when play has been stopped for any reason not covered in the Law (e.g., injury, inadvertent whistle, etc.).  It should be for an uncommon event.

Preferred technique:

  • Participants should be about a yard apart
  • Position yourself away from but between the players with the ball held directly between the participants
  • Place one hand under the ball and the other on top of the ball
  • Do not have whistle in mouth
  • Remove bottom hand and allow the ball to drop to the ground. 
  • Players will watch your top hand giving you time to back away and be positioned for first play
Graphic used with permission of Referee Magazine - DO NOT COPY
  Outside Agent:
A drop ball is used to restart play if an outside agent (e.g., spectator, dog, etc.) interferes with play.  

Remember to apply the "goal area exception" should the interference happen in either goal area.

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