SOCCER RULES CLARIFICATIONS – RESTART AND GOAL KICKS
There have been several questions regarding the restart, if there is a temporary suspension of play for an injury or unusual situation and a goalkeeper IS in possession of the ball. This is part of the change implemented this year, whereas we no longer give an Indirect Free Kick (IFK) to a team in clear possession of the ball if there is a temporary suspension of play for an injury or unusual situation and play is stopped. The restart is now a dropped ball and can be contested by any number of players, including goalkeepers.
The Answer to the question of the restart, if there is a temporary suspension of play for an injury or unusual situation and a goalkeeper IS in possession of the ball is an Indirect Free Kick (IFK) to the goalkeeper at the spot he/she was when play was temporarily suspended. This can be found in Rule 13, Sec. 2, Art. 3.b.
Please advise if you have any questions or concerns.
Tim Sonnier, TASO Soccer Director of Training
