Question Number: 27110

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 1/14/2013

RE: Adult

Freddie of cairo, Egypt asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25703

hello there,

to be precise, A1 starts the kickoff and A2 standing near him on the same line.

1) Can A1 kick the first touch backwards to a teammate A3 (outside the circle) without A2 touching it ?

2) Can A1 kick directly the first touch on the opposing goal without a 2nd touch ?

i appreciate your help

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The laws of the game require that the ball is not in play on a kickoff until it is kicked and moves forward. A goal can be scored directly on a kickoff.

Thus, the answer to your questions are:

1) No. If the ball is kicked backwards, the kickoff should be retaken. Note: a wise referee might ignore the infringement as trifling or doubtful, particularly in an adult recreational match.

2) Yes. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked directly into the opponent's goal at a kickoff.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Freddie
Thank you for your question.
1. The ball must be kicked forward to be put into play correctly at a kick off. So the ball cannot be kicked direcly backwards to A3. What can happen is that between them A2 touches the ball to A1 whichs puts it into play which means that the next kick can be backwards
2. A goal can be scored directly from a kick off. At one time many years ago it was not possible but not any longer. The ball is in play when it is kicked forward.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

1. No. In only 2 instances must the ball be kicked forward in order for it to be in play; penalty kick and kick-off
2. Yes as this is what it says in The Laws Of The Game