<P> The ball is dropped by the referee at the point where the ball was when play was stopped , unless this is within a goal area in which case it is dropped on the goal area line parallel to the goal line . The ball becomes in play as soon as it touches the ground . Players must not touch the ball until it has touched the ground . If the ball leaves the field of play before it has been touched by a player ( including if the ball enters either goal ) , the drop - ball is retaken . </P>
<P> The ball is dropped by the referee at the point where the ball was when play was stopped , unless this is within a goal area in which case it is dropped on the goal area line parallel to the goal line . The ball becomes in play as soon as it touches the ground . Players must not touch the ball until it has touched the ground . If the ball leaves the field of play before it has been touched by a player ( including if the ball enters either goal ) , the drop - ball is retaken . </P>
when is the ball in play from a dropped ball
when is the ball in play from a dropped ball
as soon as it touches the ground
as soon as it touches the ground