Kick-off (football)

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A kick-off is the method of starting and restarting play in a game of association football (soccer).

[edit] Award

A kick-off is used to start each half of play, and each period of extra time where applicable. The kick-off to start a game is usually awarded to the team that lost the pre-game coin-toss (the team that won the coin-toss chooses which direction they wish to play). However, the team that won the pre-game coin-toss can also choose to kick off the match if they so wish. The kick-off to start the second half is taken by the other team. Another coin-toss is used at the beginning of extra time, where applicable.

A kick-off is also used to restart play after a goal is scored, and is taken by the team that conceded the goal.

[edit] Procedure

The kick-off is taken from the centre-spot. All players must be in their own half of the field of play, and all opposing players must remain at least 10 yards (9.15m) from the ball, until the ball is in play.

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward.

A goal may be scored directly from a kick-off, but only against the opposing team.

[edit] Infringements

If a player moves from their required position as detailed above, or if the ball is not kicked forward, the kick is retaken. Failure to maintain position may constitute misconduct and be punished by a caution (yellow card).

It is an offence for the kicker to touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player; this is punishable by an indirect free kick to the defending team from where the offence occurred, unless the second touch was also a more serious handling offence, in which case it is punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick, as appropriate.