Rules

Drop Ball Rules

Q: Can you score directly from a drop ball?

If dropped to the goalkeeper, no goal can be scored until another player touches it. Otherwise, a goal can be scored.

Q: What happens if the ball hits the referee?

If it creates a promising attack, changes possession, or goes into a goal, play is stopped for a drop ball.

Q: How far must opponents be?

All opponents must be at least 4 meters away until the ball touches the ground.

When and how drop balls are used to restart play in football.

Quick Answer

A drop ball restarts play when it is stopped for a reason not covered in the rules, such as the ball hitting the referee or a serious injury. Since 2019, the ball is dropped to the team that last touched it, with all opponents at least 4 meters away.

A drop ball is used to restart play when it was stopped for a reason not mentioned in the Laws of the Game.

When Drop Ball Is Used

• Ball hits the referee and creates a promising attack or goes into a goal
• Play stopped for injury when neither team had clear possession
• Simultaneous fouls of the same severity
• Defective ball

How It Works (Current Rules)

Since 2019/20, the drop ball is given to:
• The team that last touched the ball
• In their own penalty area if stopped there
• To the goalkeeper if stopped in the penalty area

Previous Rules

Before 2019/20:
• Both teams contested the drop ball
• Referee dropped the ball between two opponents
• Ball was in play when it touched the ground

Fair Play Tradition

In the old system, teams often:
• Gave the ball back to the team that had possession
• Would kick the ball out for an injury
• Expected the other team to return possession

Current Procedure

1. All opponents must be 4m away 2. Referee drops ball to the designated player 3. Ball is in play when it touches the ground

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you score directly from a drop ball?

What happens if the ball hits the referee?

How far must opponents be?