Kickoff

Kickoff refers to the start of play or action in various contexts, most commonly in team sports. In association football (soccer), a kickoff restarts play from the center of the field at the beginning of the match, after halftime, and following a goal. The ball is kicked into the field, and play resumes once it is in motion; opposing players must remain at a prescribed distance until the ball is kicked. In gridiron football (American and Canadian), a kickoff begins the game and the second half and restarts after scoring, with the ball kicked from a designated spot and received by the other team, which may advance it or take a touchback according to the rules. The term is also used in other sports and in ceremonial or ceremonial-start contexts.

Kickoff in business and project management refers to a formal initiation event or meeting that marks the start of a project or campaign. A project kickoff brings together sponsors, managers, and team members to align on goals, scope, roles and responsibilities, milestones, budget, risk, and communication plans. It helps establish expectations, clarify deliverables and success criteria, and set the project roadmap and governance. Kickoff activities may occur in person or virtually and often include presentations, demonstrations, and opportunities for questions and alignment.

Etymology and broader usage: the term originates from the act of kicking the ball to start play. It has since broadened to denote the outset of any activity, initiative, or campaign, and is widely used to refer to kickoff meetings, launch events, and other ceremonial beginnings. Variants include “kick-off” and “kickoff meeting.”