Question Number: 29273

Mechanics 3/28/2015

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29267

I have a related question. During the game, after a goal is scored, the younger players always wait & look at me before a kickoff. I usually just nod & say 'Go ahead'. Of course, you have to wait until everyone is back on their side of the field & the opponents are outside the center circle. The problem is that it would probably be quicker if I just whistled. Do you think a short blast would be advisable when the restart is a kickoff? If not, what would you do?
Thanks again,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil,
Yes
Although a simple go ahead or a palm up wave of the arm to begin can suffice in a fun recreational or relaxed match, it is recommended that a whistle to begin play at the start of the match and at the start of the 2nd half and after a goal.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Phil, see page 82 in the Good Book, 'Use of the whistle'.

The first bullet point is
start play (1st, 2nd half), after a goal

They're probably waiting for your whistle because they've come to expect it from other refs who are following that directive.

The whistle is NOT needed after the goal was scored. Unless the ball bounces back out onto the field and play goes on, everyone can tell that the game has been stopped. Maybe that's what you were thinking of?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
The advice is to always use the whistle at any kick off. Sometimes if all is in order and the team kicks off after a goal without the whistle play can be allowed to continue provided both team are happy to do so.
There are other times that I note that some referees do not use the whistle to restart which is not good practise. After a substitution, after speaking to a player and bringing him out of position to do so, after an injury and after a caution. The whistle should be used in those situations
Anytime the game stops which is not part of regular play the referee should be in control and restart on the whistle when all are ready to do so.