<P> A kick - off is the method of starting and, in some cases, restarting play in a game of association football . The rules concerning the kick - off are part of Law 8 of the Laws of the Game . </P> <P> 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 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). The kick - off begins when the referee blows the whistle . The kick - off to start the second half is taken by the other team . If extra time is played another coin - toss is used at the beginning of this period . </P> <P> A kick - off is also used to restart play after a goal is scored, and is taken by the team that conceded the goal . </P> <P> 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 (9.16 m) from the ball (a distance marked on the pitch by the centre circle), until the ball is in play . </P>

When is the ball in play at the taking of a kickoff