STARTING & RESTARTING PLAY

How the Game Starts and Restarts After Goals (Kickoff)

Every game begins with a kickoff. One team takes the kickoff to start the first half. The other team takes the kickoff to start the second half.

After a goal is scored, the team that was scored on takes the kickoff.

For a kickoff:

• The ball is placed on the center mark

• All players must be in their own half

• Opponents must remain outside the center circle

A player on the kickoff team kicks the ball. The ball may move in any direction. Once the ball is kicked and moves, it is in play.

Giving Space on Restarts

On many restarts, the team restarting play is entitled to space.

This applies to:

• Kickoffs

• Free kicks

• Corner kicks

• Goal kicks

Opposing players must not stand too close or interfere. The referee manages spacing and may delay the restart or require players to move back.

When the Ball Is In Play and When It Is Out of Play

The ball is out of play only when:

• The entire ball crosses a sideline or goal line

• The referee stops play

At all other times, the ball is in play, including when it hits the goalposts, crossbar, or referee.

Restarting Play When the Referee Stops the Game (Drop Balls)

Sometimes the referee stops play even though no team committed a foul. This can happen for injuries, safety concerns, the ball striking the referee and affecting play, or referee error.

In these cases, play restarts with a drop ball. The referee drops the ball at the location of the stoppage and manages the restart. Players are expected to give space.

When the Ball Leaves the Sideline: Throw-Ins

When the entire ball crosses a sideline, play restarts with a throw-in. The throw-in is taken by the team that did not touch the ball last.

The player throwing the ball:

• Faces the field

• Keeps both feet on or behind the sideline

• Uses two hands

• Both feet must remain on the ground during the throw

• Throws the ball from behind and over the head

Once the ball enters the field, it is back in play.

When the Ball Leaves the Goal Line Without a Goal

If the ball crosses the goal line and no goal is scored:

• A goal kick is awarded if the attacking team touched it last

• A corner kick is awarded if the defending team touched it last

Goal Kicks

The ball is placed anywhere inside the goal area and kicked back into play by the defending team.

U10

• Opposing players must retreat behind the build-out line

• No pressure until the ball is in play

U12 and Older

• Opposing players must be outside the penalty area

• They may enter as soon as the ball is kicked and moves

Corner Kicks

The ball is placed inside the corner arc and kicked into play by the attacking team. Opponents must give space until the ball is kicked.