Question Number: 18606

Law 1- The Field 3/24/2008

RE: Competive rec Adult

Kevin of Mountain View, CA USA asks...

Playing in my adult game on Sunday the ball was traveling out of the field of play for a throw in. The ball hit a tree that was over hanging onto the field of play. The ball did not travel over the line and stayed on the field play. What is the restart? A drop ball or to play. I have searched the Laws of the Game but can't find a ruling. I understand that if the ball hits a dog or a balloon while in the field of play a drop ball is the correct restart?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Dog - outside agent, dropped ball restart.

Balloon - field debris, we continue to play (reference the game in Europe a couple months ago)

Overhanging tree branches, utility wires, etc = these are generally considered to be pre-existing conditions. When the ball hits one of these, we play on, unless there are local "ground rules" to the contrary. Advice to Referees 1.8(c) says,

"(c) Pre-existing conditions
These are things on or above the field which are not described in Law 1 but are deemed safe and not
generally subject to movement. These include trees overhanging the field, wires running above the
field, and covers on sprinkling or draining systems. They do not affect one team more adversely than
the other and are considered to be a part of the field. If the ball leaves the field after contact with any
item considered under the local ground rules of the field to be a pre-existing condition, the restart is in
accordance with the Law, based on which team last played the ball. (Check with the competition for
any local ground rules.)"

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Dogs and balloons are not pre-existing conditions. The tree is and since it was deemed safe enough by the referee to start play, it is now considered part of the field. Play should continue.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Continue the play as it is a prexisting condition and therefore part of the field of play Cheers