Question Number: 26278

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/2/2012

RE: High school Under 15

James DeRoot of Parsippany, NJ USA asks...

Hello, and thanks in advance.

Strangest thing: I was at a recent high school junior varsity match in New Jersey and a young referee would not allow more than two offensive players inside the circle to restart following goals (on their own half of the field), as well as at the beginning of the second half. I reread the rules of play and can't see how there's any instruction prohibiting players being ANYWHERE on their side of the field, and that they could have all eleven inside the 10 yard circle, as long as they are on their own half of the field. Have I gone crazy after 30 years?

Again, the team kicking off wanted to begin play three abreast, on their own half. The referee said they could only have two for all restarts at midfield.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi James
No you have not gone crazy. The kicking off team can have as many players as it wishes inside the center circle as the circle is only there to prevent encroachment by the attacking team.
Rule 8 states and I quote "" At the moment of the kickoff, all players shall be in their team?s half of the field. Players opposing the kicker shall be at least 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked.""

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No, you have not gone crazy. Both NFHS and FIFA allow as many of the kicking team as they want inside the center circle at a kick-off