Question Number: 28715

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 9/9/2014

RE: Competitive Under 14

Paul of Milton, Ontario Canada asks...

If a referee blows the whistle to stop play because of an injury on the field, is the restart ALWAYS a dropped ball, assuming there was NO foul or other infringement? Would there be any reason that it could be an IFK?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Paul
If play is stopped solely to deal with an injury only then the restart is a dropped ball. There has to be an infringement of the laws for there to be a free kick restart even indirect.
Uniquely in NFHS games the restart is an IDFK when the game is stopped for an injury or an unusual situation and one team has clear possession of the ball.
In FIFA games it a dropped ball every time.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It is always a dropped ball in games played under the LOTG.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi there Paul,
IF the injury is the sole reason for the stoppage a drop ball restart, under the auspices of FIFA, it is always a drop ball! Under FIFA LOTG a player CAN NOT score directly from a drop ball nor is there a requirement on which players or how many players can participate

You ask," Would there be any reason that it could be an IFK?" I can think of only one organisation NHFS USA high school soccer that has several alterations including you can score directly from a drop ball
If a drop ball restart is required the restart is where ball was when play stopped and 5 yds. from touchline if simultaneous touched out by opposing players. If in goal area, drop on 6 yd line nearest to location of stoppage. Must be dropped between 2 opposing players. When game is stopped for injury or unusual situation ( A spectator or a dog say attacks or bites a player and the other team had ball possession) and one team has clear possession of the ball there is a provision for an indfk awarded to the team that had possession. Also it is remotely possible for a team mate to injure one of his own and possibly be held accountable for PIADM or dangerous play with an INDFK against themselves. Under FIFA there is no provision in PIADM (playing in a dangerous manner) for any contact and not without an opponent disadvantaged ! Cheers