Question Number: 14979

League Specific 3/12/2007

RE: All levels High School

Michael of Centennial, CO USA asks...

Play is stopped to issue a card, off the field, to an assistant coach. At the time of the stoppage, no ball possession could be determined.

What is the proper restart? Where is the restart?

Thanks, Mike

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The proper restart is Indirect Free Kick to the nonoffending team. [Rule 12.8.1.a thru g] The spot of the restart where the ball WAS when the referee stopped play [Rule 13.2.2.c]

NOTE: this applies to USA High School ONLY... If you let things go until the ball is very close to his goal you can make the punishment for his actions even better!!

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

According to FIFA law, if you stop play soley to deal with an outside influence while the ball is in play, as it is a non player/sub, the drop ball at where the ball was on the field at the time of the stoppage would fit the restart bill.
I was unsure, as we do not show cards in my area to coaching or technical staff perhaps the USA Highschool Soccer Federation has an INDFK restart from where the ball was since one of the team personal is being shown the card? ooops I posted just after Ref Fleischer looks like they do have a different retart.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

In high school, the restart is IFK where ball was when referee stopped play to the non-offending team. In USSF...no cards can be shown to coaches, but if the referee stops play to discipline a coach restart would be drop ball. Another difference between high school and USSF.