After a goal is scored in soccer, play is restarted with a kick-off by the team that conceded the goal.
Restarting Play After a Goal
According to the laws of the game, a goal being scored is one of the specific events that requires play to be stopped and then restarted. The primary method for restarting the match immediately following a valid goal is a kick-off.
The reference states: "A kick-off starts both halves of a match, both halves of extra time and restarts play after a goal has been scored." This confirms that the kick-off is the designated method for resuming play after a team successfully puts the ball into the opponent's net.
How the Restart Kick-Off Works
- Who takes it? The team that just had a goal scored against them takes the kick-off.
- Where is it taken from? The kick-off is taken from the center spot of the field.
- Procedure: The ball must be stationary on the center spot. All players from the opposing team must be outside the center circle until the kick is taken. The referee gives a signal, and the player taking the kick can kick the ball in any direction. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
Other Ways Play Restarts
While the kick-off is specific to starting halves and restarting after a goal, the reference also mentions other methods used to restart play in different situations during a match:
- Free kicks (direct or indirect)
- Penalty kicks
- Throw-ins
- Goal kicks
- Corner kicks
Each of these restarts applies to different scenarios, such as fouls, the ball going out of bounds, or the ball leaving the field over the goal line. However, following a goal, the kick-off is the standard procedure to get the game back underway.
