In the described adult game scenario, how should play restart after a careless trip by the defender?

The correct approach to restarting play after a careless trip by a defender involves awarding a direct free kick to the attacking team. A careless trip is considered a foul that results in a direct free kick being given to the opposing team. This is because the trip impedes the movement of a player and can potentially lead to injury, which is why the rules prioritize player safety by penalizing such actions.

In this scenario, if option C were chosen, it would imply that the defending team committed a foul and yet was not penalized, which contradicts the rules of the game. Understanding the type of infringement is crucial for referees, as it informs them not only of how to effectively manage the game but also ensures that they are upholding the integrity of play. The other suggested options do not align with the indicated foul type which clarifies why only a direct free kick is appropriate and necessary for the attacking team to potentially take advantage of the situation created by the foul.