5.0 Starting the Match

5.1 Prior to the commencement of play, the field umpire shall:

5.1.1 Consult the time keepers as to their readiness to commence.

5.1.2 Inspect and approve the ball(s) to be used.

5.2 The umpire shall toss the coin for the choice of goal.

5.2.1 At the conclusion of each quarter, the teams shall change ends.

5.3 Prior to starting the match, the umpire shall consult the captains as to the readiness of their teams.

5.4 to commence play at the start of each quarter, the field umpire shall hold the ball aloft, sound his whistle and bounce the ball in the circle. Match timing shall commence on the sound of the whistle.

5.4.1 After a goal has been kicked, the ball is bounced in the circle to re-start the match.

5.4.2 The field umpire shall take up a position on the white line either side of the centre circle prior to bouncing the ball.

5.4.3 The above procedure is followed except when a free kick has been given after a goal has been registered and before the ball is bounced in the circle.

5.4.4 The field umpire has the authority to throw the ball in the air in the event of the ground surface being considered unsuitable for bouncing. In such event the umpire shall indicate to players that he intends to throw the ball up.

5.5 A maximum of four players of each team is permitted in the square for the centre bounce. No officials are permitted in the square for the centre bounce. No player or official is permitted to enter the square or centre circle from the time the field umpire commences his approach to the centre circle until the ball touches the ground in the act of bouncing or leaves the umpires hand in the act of being thrown up.

The centre bounce or throw up shall be contested only by one player of each team who shall take up a position outside the centre circle in his team's defensive half. Neither of these players shall enter his team's attacking half until the ball touches the ground in the act of bouncing or leaves the umpire's hand in the act of being thrown up.

Where the umpire determines that a poor bounce has occurred he shall call "play on" and the ball may then be contested by any player.

5.5.1 In the event of a breach of this Law by a player or official, the field umpire shall award a free kick to a player of the opposing side nearest the centre circle.

5.5.2 If an injured player is receiving attention from medical or training staff in the centre square at a time when the centre bounce is to occur, the field umpire will not commence play until the player is removed from the square.

In the event that the field umpire's direction to remove the player is not immediately complied with a free kick shall be awarded to a player of the opposing side nearest the centre circle; unless the field umpire has given permission for the player to leave the ground on a stretcher under Law 3.2.5.

5.6 The field umpire shall report to the controlling body any club which is not ready to start at the appointed time.