Throw-in and goal-kick countdown

Procedure

This is a response to deliberate delay, not an automatic five-second limit on every restart. The referee may first urge the team to hurry, then whistles, clearly signals that the restart must be taken and visibly counts five seconds with a raised hand. A verbal count may accompany this.

• The referee need not wait for a player to possess the ball. Slowly retrieving it, intentionally taking the wrong throw-in position or placing a goal kick incorrectly can start the count.

If the ball is not in play in time

• A delayed throw-in becomes an opposition throw-in at the original location.
• A delayed goal kick becomes an opposition corner on the side nearest the intended goal-kick position.
• A player already throwing or kicking as the count expires should not be penalised.
• After the restart transfers, a caution applies only if a player or team-mate excessively delays the opponents’ restart.