Question Number: 15611

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/26/2007

RE: Rec Under 11

Vince of Channahon, IL USA asks...

The ball is kicked out of bounds across the goal line by and offensive player on the left side of the goal. The defense quickly bring the ball back, starts to set the ball on the left corner of the six yard line but then runs (quickly) to the right side and sets it down and kicks it. Is this OK?

If the defensive player touches the ball to the ground but does not set it down on the left side but then goes to the right side, is this OK?

The only thing I can find in the laws is it could be considered delay of game, but the whole action takes only 5 seconds or so.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

It depends on the circumstances. In most cases this would be perfectly fine. However, if your team is winning the match and all of a sudden your goal kicker sets the ball down, and then decides they don't like the placement and they go all the way to the other side to replace the kick... your player is likely going to be cautioned for delaying the restart of play. AND the referee is going to add some time just in case those wasted 5 seconds might be enough for the other team to score a goal and draw level.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Vince if you are describing wasting time, in the mind of the referee, your player is going to be cautioned and shown the yellow card. The time added by the referee will be the whole time from the ball leaving play until it is kicked beyond the penalty area into the outfield. If your repeats the time wasting he should be sent-off.

Regards,