Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play Explained
Law 8 covers kick-offs, dropped balls, and the procedures for restarting play after a stoppage. It clarifies which team kicks off, who is allowed in the centre circle, and when a dropped ball is the correct restart.
Key Points
- 1A kick-off takes place at the start of each half, after a goal is scored, and at the start of extra time periods.
- 2The ball is in play from the kick-off once it is kicked and clearly moves.
- 3A goal can be scored directly from a kick-off.
- 4A dropped ball is used when play was stopped for any reason not covered by other Laws, and the ball is returned to the team in possession.
- 5From the kick-off, opponents must be outside the centre circle until the ball is in play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides which team kicks off?
A coin is tossed before the match. The winner chooses which goal to attack in the first half. The other team takes the kick-off. In the second half, the teams switch ends and the team that did not kick off first now starts the second half.
What is a dropped ball and when is it used?
A dropped ball is used when the referee stops play for a reason not covered by another Law (for example, an injury or interference from outside the pitch) and the ball was not going out of play. The ball is returned to the team in possession, or if neither team was in clear possession, dropped for the defending team's goalkeeper.
Can a goal be scored directly from a kick-off?
Yes. A goal can be scored directly from a kick-off. If the ball enters the opponent's goal directly from the kick-off, a goal is awarded. If it enters the kicking team's own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents.
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