"Can they do that?"

[Homer Ref]

It seems that as it happens so often where the ball is played backwards at a kick-off, that it is the only direction it can travel. The amount of players who have come up to me and said that if the ball is played forward then it is not a proper kick off is quite high. So habits can create rules where they don't exist and I think as referees we need to be ready to correct these assumptions when possible.

 

[Peter Grove]

Sure. So if you're asked that question, just say, "Yes, they can."

 

[CaptainsPlease]

That's really funny because it used to be Law that the ball had to be played forwards at kick-off, which is why there were always two players standing over it so one could tap it slightly 'forward' to the other.

 

[Archer]

The notion that players don’t know they can score a goal direct from a kick-off is baffling.

 

[wazztie16]

The notion that players don’t know they can score a goal direct from a kick-off is baffling.

OT, but still getting players coming up to contest a dropped ball.

Been in a few seasons now I'm sure...

 

[santa sangria]

OT, but still getting players coming up to contest a dropped ball.

Been in a few seasons now I'm sure...

I still get players claiming a goalkick when they clearerly touched it last for a corner.

I can’t believe this as it’s been in the laws since 1868 or thereabouts!

 

[RefereeX]

OT, but still getting players coming up to contest a dropped ball.

Been in a few seasons now I'm sure...

Or the classic 'do you want us to kick it back to them ref?'

'no thanks, because it's their dropped ball anyway'.

 

[NOVARef]

OT, but still getting players coming up to contest a dropped ball.

Been in a few seasons now I'm sure...

Related...I see a lot of referees enforcing a 10 yard zone around dropped balls and players not questioning it.

 

[RefereeX]

Related...I see a lot of referees enforcing a 10 yard zone around dropped balls and players not questioning it.

I might start doing that to make it easier to manage

Somehow I watch referees on the tv and they never ever seem to have a scenario where a player waits 4m away to charge it down, yet I always seem to get it.

I know an EFL referee who said he tells players they have to play the ball backwards to make them easier to manage, and he said nobody ever questions it!