Action on the field:

To start the game, start of each period, or restart play after a goal, the attacking team gets a kick-off.

Lead Referee Responsibilities:

The lead referee should position level with the second-to-last defender to judge offside position.  It is advisable that the lead referee come into the field and away from the touchline if the players take a narrow positioning.  This makes the field smaller and more manageable to patrol.

Trail Referee Responsibilities:

The trail referee needs to move forward and into the field so that the kick-off procedure can be monitored, especially with the younger age groups where a second touch by the kicker is not uncommon. Because the trail referee is responsible for looking into the back of play during the kick-off they typically are responsible for blowing the whistle to indicate the start of play, while the lead referee is focused on the expected direction of the kick-off.

Graphic used with permission of Referee Magazine.  DO NOT COPY.

Graphic used with permission of Referee Magazine.  DO NOT COPY.

Dropped Balls

Inadvertent whistles, outside agents, burst balls and injuries - those are common reasons to restart play with a dropped ball.

Law VIII says, "A dropped ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporary stoppage which becomes necessary, while the ball is in play, for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game."

There are many odd variations of the dropped ball, including improperly throwing the ball at the ground with great velocity so it bounces 25 feet into the air (imagine the calamity when it comes down).  One referee started by holding the ball in front of his body but released it behind his back.  That's not fair to anyone.

Most referees place one hand under the ball and drop it as shown above.  That is one method to execute a dropped ball.

Dropped Balls - Safer for the Referee

To increase the chances of the ball hitting the ground and increase your own personal safety, put one hand under the ball and the other hand over the ball, similar to above.  As shown, stand back and lean forward as you prepare to drop the ball.  Move the top hand dramatically above the ball.  Get the players focused on that hand.  Start talking to them by saying, "Remember, the ball isn't in play until it hits the ground."  About halfway through that sentence, without moving the top hand, let the ball drop to the ground.  If you've done a good job of having the players focus on your upper hand or your voice, they won't notice the ball dropping and it gets to the ground before they react.

Additionally, if one of the players pop the ball straight up toward your nose, there is some chance it will be deflected by your top hand, which you've left out there for that reason.  If you're slick, you'll continue to talk even as you drop the ball.  That's touch, so practice that technique a couple of times before trying it in a game.

Dropped Ball

Action on the field:

An incident leading to a dropped ball (serious injury, outside agent, misconduct off the field of play, etc.) takes place.

Lead Referee Responsibilities:

After you or the trail referee has dealt with the incident that forced the stoppage of play (e.g., have a coach or trainer treat the injury, have security escort the parent off the field or wait until the animal is removed from the playing area), position yourself at the second-to-last defender and onto the field, if possible.

Trail Referee Responsibilities:

The trail referee is normally responsible for the actual dropping of the ball.  Position yourself so that you can accomplish the dropped ball and see your partner on the other side of the field.  Also be prepared to sprint back in the event that the defense quickly controls the ball and clears it to your half of the field.

Dropped Ball on the Goal Line

Action on the field:

An incident leading to a dropped ball (serious injury, outside agent, misconduct off the field of play, etc.) takes place within the goal area.  The special circumstances in Law VIII dictate that the ball be moved to the goal area line parallel to the goal-line, six yards from the goal-line.

Lead Referee Responsibilities:

Attackers may not be offside directly from the dropped ball, so assist by watching the physical contact with so many players in close proximity.  Be alert for a short pass to an attacker in an offside position.  Concentrate to determine that the pass came from an attacker and not a defender trying to back-heel the ball to the goalkeeper.   Goalkeepers may not handle a ball deliberately kicked to them by a teammate.

If you number 3, in white and number 6, in gray or number 7, in white and number 7, in gray have been annoying each other earlier in the match, keep a watchful eye on them as they are in close proximity.  The trail referee has many other tasks with higher priority and may miss misconduct committed by these players,  It's important for game control that the misconduct is seen and dealt with properly.

Trail Referee Responsibilities:

During these tense moments, expect much physical contact as opponents scramble for an advantageous position.  Position yourself so you are facing the lead referee.  Drop the ball from your hands at waist level and make sure the ball touches the ground before it  is touched.  If it does not, re-drop the ball.

The goalkeeper may participate in the dropped ball and may handle the ball immediately after it touches the ground.  If it appears the goalkeeper may participate, watch closely for dangerous situations.

Ball Location - Dropped Balls

Action on the field:

The referee stops play while the ball is in the goal area.  The restart is a dropped ball.  The special circumstances in Law VIII require a specific location for the restart.

Lead Referee Responsibilities:

Stay even with the second-to-last defender.  Assist the trail referee with game control.  Be aware of players on the fringes taking unfair advantage of the lead referee's diverted attention.

Trail Referee Responsibilities:

The restart must take place along the goal area line that runs parallel with the goal-line, six yards from the goal-line.  You should move the ball perpendicular to the goal-line from the location of the restart.  An example:  If the ball were in location F when you stopped play, you should restart with the ball in location H.  Similarly, balls in locations A, B, and D need to be moved.  Ball C is already at the proper location.  Balls E and G would not be moved.

The goal area will be tightly packed with players trying to score or defend.  Be aware of increased emotional play.