Question Number: 30234

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/1/2016

RE: Rec,travel, high school High School

Dino kidder of East Liverpool , Ohio Usa asks...

Referee stops play because of a player injury the ball was a nickel area what is the proper restart

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dino
As the ball was in play and the referee stopped play for an injury they restart is a dropped ball from where the ball was when play was stopped.
Now the modern game has developed a custom referred to as the Fair Play restart at the dropped ball where the DB restart is not contested. It is not part of the Laws just the teams themselves deciding to do this. The referee has no power to insist on this. He simply drops the ball in the prescribed manner and when it touches the ground it is in play. Generally the team that was in possession gets the ball back on a fair play restart or if it was their player that was injured they may give the ball to the opponents by kicking it back to its goalkeeper or out of play for a restart. In addition a goal cannot be scored DIRECTLY from a dropped ball in a FIFA game
Please remember that the game does not have to be stopped for minor injuries. All too often games are stopped for cramps, minor strains, twists that are not serious requiring immediate attention. Teams if they so wish can kick the ball out of play which then has a regular restart after the player is removed from the field of play.
Please be aware there are differences in High School Rules on stopping play for an injury.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Dino,
As indicated in NFHS Rule 9-2-1c: The game is started with a drop ball following a temporary suspension of play for an injury or unusual situation where no team has clear possession. Please note that in high school play, the ball is to be dropped between two opposing players and can be played as soon as it touches the ground. There is no fair play restart after a drop ball in high school play although sometimes teams will act as if there was and let an opponent play the ball. If this is done and a team complains which I have seen happen lately, please remember that Fair Play is not a rule. Also, please remember that a goal can be scored from a drop ball. I hope that your season is going well.