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         1: The Field of Play 2: The Ball 3: The Number of Players 4: The Players' Equipment 5: The Referee 6: The Assistant Referees 7: The Duration of the Match 8: The Start And Restart of Play 9: The Ball in and Out of Play 10: The Method of Scoring 11: Offside 12: Fouls and Misconduct 13: Free Kicks 14: The Penalty Kick 15: The Throw-in 16: The Goal Kick 17: The Corner Kick 30: Notes on the Laws of the Game 31: PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE THE WINNER OF A MATCH OR HOME-AND-AWAY 32: THE TECHNICAL AREA 33: THE FOURTH OFFICIAL Bad Weather? |
FIFA Laws and TJay Rules The rules of Soccer are often confusing to those coming to the sport for the first time, although they are far simpler than the rules for American Football. Unlike most other sports, the same set of rules apply for World Cup Championships as apply to a group of youngsters playing in their first game (although there are many exceptions made for youth play.) This makes the game easier to learn and understand in the context of the world's most popular game, as High School, College, and Professional teams play by essentially the same rules as youth teams. It also helps in crossing language barriers, as youth from different countries who do not speak the same language know the same game according to the same rules. Below are the entire set of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rules used for playing Soccer the world over. These are NOT official; for the official rules, go to the FIFA website. These rules apply both to World Cup competitions and to Soccer played in Frederick County, although many exceptions are made for youth play. We plan to list all the rule exceptions for the different age levels here, so you can see exactly what the rules are as applied to your child. The Offside Rule in particular causes the most confusion. The link to the FIFA website above has the entire, current set of rules available as a PDF download. In that PDF are an excellent set of illustrations with clear explanations concerning exactly what is and is not an Offsides offense. The FIFA rules (called Laws of the Game) below are current until summer of 2008, when they will next be revised. Law 1 — The Field of Play 1.1 Field surface 1.1.1 Matches may be played on natural or artificial surfaces, according to the rules of the competition. 1.2 Dimensions 1.2.1 The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line. 1.2.1 Minimum length is 90m (100 yds). 1.2.2 Maximum length is 120m (130 yds) 1.2.3 Minimum width is 45m (50 yds) 1.2.4 Maximum width is 90m (100 yds) 1.3 International Matches 1.3.1 Minimum length is 100m (110 yds). 1.3.2 Maximum length is 110m (120 yds) 1.3.3 Minimum width is 64m (70 yds) 1.3.4 Maximum width is 75m (80 yds) 1.4 Field Markings 1.4.1 The field of play is marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries. 1.4.2 The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter lines are called goal lines. 1.4.3 All lines are not more than 12 cm (5 ins) wide. 1.4.4 The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. 1.4.5 The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) is marked around it. 1.5 The Goal Area 1.5.1 A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5 m (6 yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 5.5 m (6 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area. 1.6 The Penalty Area 1.6.1 A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5 m (18 yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 16.5 m (18 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. 1.6.2 Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11 m (12 yds) from the midpoint bet ween the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area. 1.7 Flagposts 1.7.1 A flagpost, not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with a non-pointed top and a flag is placed at each corner. 1.7.2 Flagposts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1 m (1 yd) outside the touch line. 1.8 The Corner Arc 1.8.1 A quarter circle with a radius of 1 m (1 yd) from each corner flagpost is drawn inside the field of play. 1.9 Goals 1.9.1 Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line. 1.9.2 They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flagposts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. 1.9.3 The distance between the posts is 7.32 m (8 yds) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8 ft). 1.9.4 Both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width and depth, which do not exceed 12 cm (5 ins). The goal lines are the same width as that of the goalposts and the crossbar. Nets may be attached to the goals and the ground behind the goal, provided that they are properly supported and do not interfere with the goalkeeper. 1.9.5 The goalposts and crossbars must be white. 1.10 Safety 1.10.1 Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement. 1.11 The Field of Play 1.12 Corner Flagpost 1.13 Metric Measurements 1.14 Imperial Measurements 1.15 Decisions of the International F.A. Board 1.15.1 If the crossbar becomes displaced or broken, play is stopped until it has been repaired or replaced in position. If a repair is not possible, the match is abandoned. The use of a rope to replace the crossbar is not permitted. If the crossbar can be repaired, the match is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when play was stopped. * (see page 3) 1.15.2 Goalposts and crossbars must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. Their shape may be square, rectangular, round or elliptical and they must not be dangerous to players. 1.15.3 No kind of commercial advertising, whether real or virtual, is permitted on the field of play and field equipment (including the goal nets and the areas they enclose) from the time the teams enter the field of play until they have left it at half-time and from the time the teams re-enter the field of play until the end of the match. In particular, no advertising material of any kind may be displayed on goals, nets, flagposts or their flags. No extraneous equipment (cameras, microphones, etc.) may be attached to these items. 1.15.4 There should be no advertising of any kind on the ground within the technical area or within one metre from the touchline. Further, no advertising shall be allowed in the area between the goal line and the goal nets. 1.15.5 The reproduction, whether real or virtual, of representative logos or emblems of FIFA, confederations, member associations, leagues, clubs or other bodies, is forbidden on the field of play and field equipment (including the goal nets and the areas they enclose) during playing time, as described in Decision 3. 1.15.6 A mark may be made off the field of play, 9.15 metres (10 yds) from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal lines, to ensure that this distance is observed when a corner kick is being taken. 1.15.7 Where artificial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representative teams of member associations affiliated to FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA. 1.15.8 Where a technical area exists, it must meet the requirements approved by the International F.A. Board, which are contained in this publication. Law 2 — The Ball 2.1 Qualities and Measurements. 2.1.1 The ball is: 2.1.1.1 spherical 2.1.1.2 made of leather or other suitable material 2.1.1.3 of a circumference of not more than 70 cm (28 ins) and not less than 68 cm (27 ins) 2.1.1.4 not more than 450 g (16 oz) in weight and not less than 410 g (14 oz) at the start of the match 2.1.1.5 of a pressure equal to 0.6 to 1.1 atmosphere (600 to 1100 g/cm2) at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq in to 15.6 lbs/sq in) 2.2 Replacement of a Defective Ball 2.2.1 If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match: 2.2.1.1 the match is stopped; 2.2.1.2 the match is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the place where the first ball became defective.*(see page 3) 2.2.2 If the ball bursts or becomes defective whilst not in play at a kick-off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in: 2.2.2.1 the match is restarted accordingly 2.2.3 The ball may not be changed during the match without the authority of the referee. 2.3 Decisions of the International F.A. Board 2.3.1 In competition matches, only footballs which meet the minimum technical requirements stipulated in Law 2 are permitted for use. In FIFA competition matches, and in competition matches organised under the auspices of the confederations, acceptance of a football for use is conditional upon the football bearing one of the following three designations: 2.3.1.1 the official FIFA APPROVED logo, or 2.3.1.2 the official FIFA INSPECTED logo, or 2.3.1.3 the reference INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD 2.3.1.4 Such a designation on a football indicates that it has been tested officially and found to be in compliance with specific technical requirements, different for each category and additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2. The list of the additional requirements specific to each of the respective categories must be approved by the International F.A. Board. The institutes conducting the tests are subject to the approval of FIFA. 2.3.1.5 Member association competitions may require the use of balls bearing any one of these three designations. In all other matches, the ball used must satisfy the requirements of Law 2. 2.3.2 In FIFA competition matches and in competition matches organised under the auspices of the confederations and member associations, no kind of commercial advertising on the ball is permitted, except for the emblem of the competition, the competition organiser and the authorised trademark of the manufacturer. The competition regulations may restrict the size and number of such markings. Law 3 — The Number of Players 3.1 Players 3.1.1 A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than seven players. 3.2 Official Competitions 3.2.1 Up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, the confederations or the member associations. 3.2.2 The rules of the competition must state how many substitutes may be nominated, from three up to a maximum of seven. 3.3 Other Matches 3.3.1 In national A team matches, up to a maximum of six substitutes may be used. 3.3.2 In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used provided that: 3.3.2.1 the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number 3.3.2.2 the referee is informed before the match. 3.3.2.2 If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the match, no more than six substitutes are allowed. 3.4 All Matches 3.4.1 In all matches, the names of the substitutes must be given to the referee prior to the start of the match. Substitutes not so named may not take part in the match. 3.5 Substitution Procedure 3.5.1 To replace a player by a substitute, the following conditions must be observed: 3.5.1.1 the referee is informed before any proposed substitution is made 3.5.1.2 a substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee 3.5.1.3 a substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match 3.5.1.4 a substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play 3.5.1.5 from that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player he has replaced ceases to be a player 3.5.1.6 a player who has been replaced takes no further part in the match 3.5.1.7 all substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee, whether called upon to play or not 3.6 Changing the Goalkeeper 3.6.1 Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that: 3.6.1.1 the referee is informed before the change is made 3.6.1.2 the change is made during a stoppage in the match 3.7 Infringements/Sanctions 3.7.1 If a substitute enters the field of play without the referee’s permission: 3.7.1.1 play is stopped 3.7.1.2 the substitute is cautioned, shown the yellow card and required to leave the field of play 3.7.1.3 play is restarted with an indirect free kick at the place the ball was located when play was stopped * (see page 3) 3.7.2 If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee’s permission before the change is made: 3.7.2.1 play continues 3.7.2.2 the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card when the ball is next out of play 3.7.3 For any other infringements of this Law: 3.7.3.1 the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card 3.8 Restart of Play 3.8.1 If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution: 3.8.1.1 the match is restarted by an indirect free kick, to be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped * (see page 3) 3.9 Players and Substitutes Sent Off 3.9.1 A player who has been sent off before the kick-off may be replaced only by one of the named substitutes. A named substitute who has been sent off, either before the kick-off or after play has started, may not be replaced. 3.10 Decisions of the International F.A. Board 3.10.1 Subject to the overriding conditions of Law 3, the minimum number of players in a team is left to the discretion of member associations. The Board is of the opinion, however, that a match should not continue if there are fewer than seven players in either team. 3.10.2 A team official may convey tactical instructions to the players during the match and he must return to his position after giving these instructions. All officials must remain within the confines of the technical area, where such an area is provided, and they must behave in a responsible manner. Law 4 — The Players' Equipment 4.1 Safety 4.1.1 A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery). 4.2 Jewellery 4.3 Basic Equipment 4.3.1 The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items: 4.3.1.1 a jersey or shirt -- if undergarments are worn, the colour of the sleeve should be the same main colour as the sleeve of the jersey or shirt. 4.3.1.2 shorts -- if undershorts are worn, they are of the same main colour as the shorts 4.3.1.3 stockings 4.3.1.4 shinguards 4.3.1.5 footwear 4.4 Shinguards 4.4.1 are covered entirely by the stockings 4.4.2 are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substances) 4.4.3 provide a reasonable degree of protection 4.5 Goalkeepers 4.5.1 each goalkeeper wears colours that distinguish him from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees 4.6 Non-Basic Equipment 4.7 Infringements/Sanctions 4.7.1 For any infringement of this Law: 4.7.1.1 play need not be stopped 4.7.1.2 the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the field of play to correct his equipment 4.7.1.3 the player leaves the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play, unless he has already corrected his equipment 4.7.1.4 any player required to leave the field of play to correct his equipment does not re-enter without the referee’s permission 4.7.1.5 the referee checks that the player’s equipment is correct before allowing him to re-enter the field of play 4.7.1.6 the player is only allowed to re-enter the field of play when the ball is out of play 4.7.1.7 A player who has been required to leave the field of play because of an infringement of this Law and who enters (or re-enters) the field of play without the referee’s permission is cautioned and shown the yellow card 4.8 Restart of Play 4.8.1 If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution: 4.8.1.1 the match is restarted by an indirect free kick taken by a player of the opposing side, from the place where the ball was located when the referee stopped the match * (see page 3) 4.9 Decisions of the International F.A. Board 4.9.1 Players must not reveal undershirts that contain slogans or advertising.The basic compulsory equipment must not contain any political, religious or personal statements. 4.9.2 A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organiser. The team of a player whose basic compulsory equipment contains political, religious or personal slogans or statements will be sanctioned by the competition organiser or by FIFA. 4.9.3 Jerseys must have sleeves. Law 5 — The Referee 5.1 The Authority of The Referee 5.1.1 Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed. 5.2 Powers and Duties 5.2.1 The Referee: 5.2.1.1 enforces the Laws of the Game 5.2.1.2 controls the match in co-operation with the assistant referees and, where applicable, with the fourth official 5.2.1.3 ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2 5.2.1.4 ensures that the players’ equipment meets the requirements of Law 4 5.2.1.5 acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match 5.2.1.6 stops, suspends or terminates the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws 5.2.1.7 stops, suspends or terminates the match because of outside interference of any kind 5.2.1.8 stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the field of play. An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted 5.2.1.9 allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured 5.2.1.10 ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped 5.2.1.11 allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time 5.2.1.12 punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more than one offence at the same time 5.2.1.13 takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences. He is not obliged to take this action immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play 5.2.1.14 takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surrounds 5.2.1.15 acts on the advice of assistant referees regarding incidents that he 5.2.1.16 ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the field of play 5.2.1.17 restarts the match after it has been stopped 5.2.1.18 provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, which includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players, and/or team officials and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the match 5.3 Decisions of The Referee 5.3.1 The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final. 5.3.2 The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match. 5.4 Decisions of the International F.A. Board 5.4.1 A referee (or where applicable, an assistant referee or fourth official) is not held liable for: any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator any damage to property of any kind any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision that he may take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match. 5.4.1.1 This may include: 5.4.1.1.1 a decision that the condition of the field of play or its surrounds or that the weather conditions are such as to allow or not to allow a match to take place 5.4.1.1.2 a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason 5.4.1.1.3 a decision as to the condition of the fixtures or equipment used during a match including the goalposts, crossbar, flagposts and the ball 5.4.1.1.4 a decision to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference or any problem in the spectator area 5.4.1.1.5 a decision to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player to be removed from the field of play for treatment 5.4.1.1.6 a decision to request or insist that an injured player be removed from the field of play for treatment 5.4.1.1.7 a decision to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain apparel or equipment 5.4.1.1.8 a decision (in so far as this may be his responsibility) to allow or not to allow any persons (including team or stadium officials, security officers, photographers or other media representatives) to be present in the vicinity of the field of play 5.4.1.1.9 any other decision that he may take in accordance with the Laws 5.4.2 In tournaments or competitions where a fourth official is appointed, his role and duties must be in accordance with the guidelines approved by the International F.A. Board, which are contained in this publication. 5.4.3 Facts connected with play shall include whether a goal is scored or not and the result of the match. Law 6 — The Assistant Referees 6.1 Duties 6.1.1 Two assistant referees are appointed whose duties, subject to the decision of the referee, are to indicate: 6.1.1.1 when the whole of the ball has passed out of the field of play 6.1.1.2 which side is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in 6.1.1.3 when a player may be penalised for being in an offside position 6.1.1.4 when a substitution is requested 6.1.1.5 when misconduct or any other incident has occurred out of the view of the referee 6.1.1.6 when offences have been committed whenever the assistants are closer to the action than the referee (this includes, in particular circumstances, offences committed in the penalty area) 6.1.1.7 whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper has moved forward before the ball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line 6.2 Assistance 6.2.1 The assistant referees also assist the referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. In particular, they may enter the field of play to help control the 9.15 m distance. 6.2.2 In the event of undue interference or improper conduct, the referee will relieve an assistant referee of his duties and make a report to the appropriate authorities. Law 7 — The Duration of the Match 7.1 Periods of Play 7.1.1 The match lasts two equal periods of 45 minutes, unless otherwise mutually agreed between the referee and the two participating teams. Any agreement to alter the periods of play (for example to reduce each half to 40 minutes because of insufficient light) must be made before the start of play and must comply with competition rules. 7.2 Half-Time Interval 7.2.1 Players are entitled to an interval at half-time. The half-time interval must not exceed 15 minutes. Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval. The duration of the half-time interval may be altered only with the consent of the referee. 7.3 Allowance for Time Lost 7.3.1 Allowance is made in either period for all time lost through: 7.3.1.1 substitution(s) 7.3.1.2 assessment of injury to players 7.3.1.3 removal of injured players from the field of play for treatment 7.3.1.4 wasting time 7.3.1.5 any other cause 7.3.2 The allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee. 7.4 Penalty Kick 7.4.1 If a penalty kick has to be taken or retaken, the duration of either half is extended until the penalty kick is completed. 7.5 Abandoned Match 7.5.1 An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules provide otherwise. Law 8 — The Start And Restart of Play 8.1 Preliminaries 8.1.1 A coin is tossed and the team that wins the toss decides which goal it will attack in the first half of the match. 8.1.2 The other team takes the kick-off to start the match. 8.1.3 The team that wins the toss takes the kick-off to start the second half of the match. 8.1.4 In the second half of the match, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals. 8.2 Kick-off 8.2.1 A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play: 8.2.1.1 at the start of the match 8.2.1.2 after a goal has been scored 8.2.1.3 at the start of the second half of the match 8.2.1.4 at the start of each period of extra time, where applicable 8.2.2 A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off. 8.3 Procedure 8.3.1 the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play 8.3.2 the ball is stationary on the centre mark 8.3.3 the referee gives a signal 8.3.4 the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward 8.3.5 the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player 8.3.6 After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team. 8.4 Infringements/Sanctions 8.4.1 If the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player: 8.4.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 8.4.2 For any other infringement of the kick-off procedure: 8.4.2.1 the kick-off is retaken 8.5 Dropped Ball 8.5.1 A dropped ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporarystoppage that becomes necessary, while the ball is in play, for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game. 8.5.2 Procedure 8.5.2.1 The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped. * (see page 3) 8.5.2.2 Play restarts when the ball touches the ground. 8.5.3 Infringements/Sanctions 8.5.3.1 The ball is dropped again: 8.5.3.1.1 if it is touched by a player before it makes contact with the ground 8.5.3.1.2 if the ball leaves the field of play after it makes contact with the ground, without a player touching it 8.5.4 Special Circumstances 8.5.4.1 A free kick awarded to the defending team inside its own goal area is taken from any point within the goal area. 8.5.4.2 An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents’ goal area is taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. 8.5.4.3 A dropped ball to restart the match after play has been temporarily stopped inside the goal area takes place on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped. Law 9 — The Ball in and Out of Play 9.1 Ball Out of Play 9.1.1 The ball is out of play when: 9.1.1.1 it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air 9.1.1.2 play has been stopped by the referee 9.2 Ball In Play 9.2.1 The ball is in play at all other times, including when: 9.2.1.1 it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and remains in the field of play 9.2.1.2 it rebounds from either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on the field of play Law 10 — The Method of Scoring 10.1 Goal Scored 10.1.1 A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal. 10.2 Winning Team 10.2.1 The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the match is drawn. 10.3 Competition Rules 10.3.1 When competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match or home-and-away tie, only the following procedures, which have been approved by the International F.A. Board, are permitted 10.3.1.1 Away goals rule 10.3.1.2 Extra time 10.3.1.3 Kicks from the penalty mark 10.4 Decisions of the International F.A. Board 10.4.1 Only procedures to determine the winner of a match, which are approved by the International F.A. Board and contained in this publication, are permitted in competition rules. Law 11 — Offside 11.1 Offside Position 11.1.1 It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position. 11.1.2 A player is in an offside position if: 11.1.2.1 he is nearer to his opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent 11.1.3 A player is not in an offside position if: 11.1.3.1 he is in his own half of the field of play or 11.1.3.2 he is level with the second last opponent or 11.1.3.3 he is level with the last two opponents 11.2 Offence 11.2.1 A player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by: 11.2.1.1 interfering with play or 11.2.1.2 interfering with an opponent or 11.2.1.3 gaining an advantage by being in that position 11.3 No Offence 11.3.1 There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from: 11.3.1.1 a goal kick or 11.3.1.2 a throw-in or 11.3.1.3 a corner kick 11.4 Infringements/Sanctions 11.4.1 For any offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred. * (see page 3) 11.5 Decisions of the International F.A. Board 11.5.1 In the definition of offside position, "nearer to his opponents’ goal line" means that any part of his head, body or feet is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent. The arms are not included in this definition. 11.5.2 The definitions of elements of involvement in active play are as follows: 11.5.2.1 Interfering with play means playing or touching the ball passed or touched by a team-mate. 11.5.2.2 Interfering with an opponent means preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or movements or making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent. 11.5.2.3 Gaining an advantage by being in that position means playing a ball that rebounds to him off a post or the crossbar having been in an offside position or playing a ball that rebounds to him off an opponent having been in an offside position. Law 12 — Fouls and Misconduct 12.1 Fouls and misconduct are penalised as follows: 12.2 Direct Free Kick 12.2.1 A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following six offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force: 12.2.1.1 kicks or attempts to kick an opponent 12.2.1.2 trips or attempts to trip an opponent 12.2.1.3 jumps at an opponent 12.2.1.4 charges an opponent 12.2.1.5 strikes or attempts to strike an opponent 12.2.1.6 pushes an opponent 12.2.2 A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following four offences: 12.2.2.1 tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball 12.2.2.2 holds an opponent 12.2.2.3 spits at an opponent 12.2.2.4 handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area) 12.2.3 A direct free kick is taken from where the offence occurred. * (see page 3) 12.3 Penalty Kick 12.3.1 A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above ten offences is committed by a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play. 12.4 Indirect Free Kick 12.4.1 An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offences: 12.4.1.1 takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his possession 12.4.1.2 touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player 12.4.1.3 touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate 12.4.1.4 touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate 12.4.2 An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the referee: 12.4.2.1 plays in a dangerous manner 12.4.2.2 impedes the progress of an opponent 12.4.2.3 prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands 12.4.2.4 commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player The indirect free kick is taken from where the offence occurred. * (see page 3) 12.5 Disciplinary Sanctions 12.5.1 Only a player or substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card. 12.5.2 The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions, as from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle. 12.6 Cautionable Offences 12.6.1 A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following seven offences: 12.6.1.1 is guilty of unsporting behaviour 12.6.1.2 shows dissent by word or action 12.6.1.3 persistently infringes the Laws of the Game 12.6.1.4 delays the restart of play 12.6.1.5 fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in 12.6.1.6 enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission 12.6.1.7 deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission 12.6.2 A substitute or substituted player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following three offences: 12.6.2.1 is guilty of unsporting behaviour 12.6.2.2 shows dissent by word or action 12.6.2.3 delays the restart of play 12.7 Sending-Off Offences 12.7.1 A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following seven offences: 12.7.1.1 is guilty of serious foul play 12.7.1.2 is guilty of violent conduct 12.7.1.3 spits at an opponent or any other person 12.7.1.4 denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area) 12.7.1.5 denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick 12.7.1.6 uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures 12.7.1.7 receives a second caution in the same match 12.7.2 A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off and shown the red card must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area. 12.8 Decisions of the International F.A. Board 12.8.1 A player who commits a cautionable or sending-off offence, either on or off the field of play, whether directed towards an opponent, a team-mate, the referee, an assistant referee or any other person, is disciplined according to the nature of the offence committed. 12.8.2 The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save. 12.8.3 Subject to the terms of Law 12, a player may pass the ball to his own goalkeeper using his head or chest or knee, etc. If, however, in the opinion of the referee, a player uses a deliberate trick while the ball is in play in order to circumvent the Law, the player is guilty of unsporting behaviour. He is cautioned, shown the yellow card and an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred. * (see page 3) 12.8.3.1 A player using a deliberate trick to circumvent the Law while he is taking a free kick is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and shown the yellow card. The free kick is retaken. 12.8.3.2 In such circumstances, it is irrelevant whether the goalkeeper subsequently touches the ball with his hands or not. The offence is committed by the player in attempting to circumvent both the letter and the spirit of Law 12. 12.8.4 A tackle, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play. 12.8.5 Any simulating action anywhere on the field, which is intended to deceive the referee, must be sanctioned as unsporting behaviour. 12.8.6 A player who removes his jersey when celebrating a goal must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour. Law 13 — Free Kicks 13.1 Types of Free Kicks 13.1.1 Free kicks are either direct or indirect. 13.1.2 For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player. 13.2 The Direct Free Kick 13.2.1 if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal is awarded 13.2.2 if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team 13.3 The Indirect Free Kick 13.3.1 Signal 13.3.1.1 The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head. He maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player or goes out of play. 13.3.2 Ball Enters the Goal 13.3.2.1 A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal. 13.3.2.1.1 if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal kick is awarded 13.3.2.1.2 if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team 13.4 Position of Free Kick 13.4.1 Free Kick Inside the Penalty Area 13.4.1.1 Direct or indirect free kick to the defending team: 13.4.1.1.1 all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball 13.4.1.1.2 all opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play 13.4.1.1.3 the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area 13.4.1.1.4 a free kick awarded in the goal area is taken from any point inside that area 13.4.2 Indirect free kick to the attacking team: 13.4.2.1 all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play, unless they are on their own goal line between the goalposts 13.4.2.2 the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves 13.4.2.3 an indirect free kick awarded inside the goal area is taken from that part of the goal area line which runs parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred 13.4.3 Free Kick Outside the Penalty Area 13.4.3.1 all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play 13.4.3.2 the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves 13.4.3.3 the free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred 13.5 Infringements/Sanctions 13.5.1 If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance: 13.5.1.1 the kick is retaken 13.5.2 If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty area, the ball is not kicked directly into play: 13.5.2.1 the kick is retaken 13.5.3 Free kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper 13.5.3.1 If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: 13.5.3.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 13.5.3.2 If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: 13.5.3.2.1 a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 13.5.3.2.2 a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area 13.5.4 Free kick taken by the goalkeeper 13.5.4.1 If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with his hands), before it has touched another player: 13.5.4.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 13.5.4.2 If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: 13.5.4.2.1 a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 13.5.4.2.2 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) Law 14 — The Penalty Kick 14.1 The Penalty Kick 14.1.1 A penalty kick is awarded against a team that commits one of the ten offences for which a direct free kick is awarded, inside its own penalty area and while the ball is in play. 14.1.2 A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick. 14.1.3 Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half or at the end of periods of extra time. 14.2 Position of the Ball and the Players 14.2.1 The ball: 14.2.1.1 is placed on the penalty mark 14.2.2 The player taking the penalty kick: 14.2.2.1 is properly identified 14.2.3 The defending goalkeeper: 14.2.3.1 remains on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked 14.2.4 The players other than the kicker are located: 14.2.4.1 inside the field of play 14.2.4.2 outside the penalty area 14.2.4.3 behind the penalty mark 14.2.4.4 at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the penalty mark 14.3 The Referee 14.3.1 does not signal for a penalty kick to be taken until the players have taken up position in accordance with the Law 14.3.2 decides when a penalty kick has been completed 14.4 Procedure 14.4.1 the player taking the penalty kicks the ball forward 14.4.2 he does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player 14.4.3 the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward 14.4.4 When a penalty kick is taken during the normal course of play, or time has been extended at half-time or full time to allow a penalty kick to be taken or retaken, a goal is awarded if, before passing between the goalposts and under the crossbar: 14.4.4.1 the ball touches either or both of the goalposts and/or the crossbar, and/or the goalkeeper 14.5 Infringements/Sanctions 14.5.1 If the referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken and, before the ball is in play, one of the following situations occurs: 14.5.1.1 The player taking the penalty kick infringes the Laws of the Game: 14.5.1.1.1 the referee allows the kick to proceed 14.5.1.1.2 if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken 14.5.1.1.3 if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and restarts the match with an indirect free kick to the defending team, from the place where the infringement occurred. 14.5.1.2 The goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game: 14.5.1.2.1 the referee allows the kick to proceed 14.5.1.2.2 if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded 14.5.1.2.3 if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken. 14.5.1.3 A team-mate of the player taking the kick infringes the Laws of the Game: 14.5.1.3.1 the referee allows the kick to proceed 14.5.1.3.2 if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken 14.5.1.3.3 if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and restarts the match with an indirect free kick to the defending team, from the place where the infringement occurred. 14.5.1.4 A team-mate of the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game: 14.5.1.4.1 the referee allows the kick to proceed 14.5.1.4.2 if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded 14.5.1.4.3 if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken 14.5.1.5 A player of both the defending team and the attacking team infringe the Laws of the Game: 14.5.1.5.1 the kick is retaken 14.5.2 If, after the penalty kick has been taken: 14.5.2.1 The kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: 14.5.2.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 14.5.2.2 The kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: 14.5.2.2.1 a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 14.5.2.3 The ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward: 14.5.2.3.1 the kick is retaken 14.5.2.4 The ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts, and is then touched by an outside agent: 14.5.2.4.1 the referee stops play 14.5.2.4.2 play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where it touched the outside agent * (see page 3) 14.6 The Technical Area 14.7 Liquid Refreshments Law 15 — The Throw-in 15.1 A throw-in is a method of restarting play. 15.2 A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. 15.3 A throw-in is awarded: 15.3.1 when the whole of the ball passes over the touch line, either on the ground or in the air 15.3.2 from the point where it crossed the touch line 15.3.3 to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball 15.4 Procedure 15.4.1 At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower: 15.4.1.1 faces the field of play 15.4.1.2 has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line 15.4.1.3 uses both hands 15.4.1.4 delivers the ball from behind and over his head 15.4.2 The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. 15.4.3 All opponents must stand no less than 2 meters from the point at which the throw-in is taken. 15.4.4 The ball is in play immediately after it enters the field of play. 15.5 Infringements/Sanctions 15.5.1 Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper 15.5.1.1 If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: 15.5.1.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 15.5.1.2 If, after the ball is in play, the thrower deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: 15.5.1.2.1 a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 15.5.2 Throw-in taken by the goalkeeper 15.5.2.1 If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with his hands), before it has touched another player: 15.5.2.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 15.5.2.2 If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: 15.5.2.2.1 a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 15.5.2.2.2 a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the thrower’s penalty area 15.5.2.2.2 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 15.5.3 If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower: 15.5.3.1 he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and shown the yellow card 15.5.4 For any other infringement of this Law: 15.5.4.1 the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team Law 16 — The Goal Kick 16.1 A goal kick is a method of restarting play. 16.2 A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team. 16.3 A goal kick is awarded when: 16.3.1 the whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the attacking team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10 16.4 Procedure 16.4.1 the ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team 16.4.2 opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play 16.4.3 the kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player 16.4.4 the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area 16.5 Infringements/Sanctions 16.5.1 If the ball is not kicked directly into play beyond the penalty area: 16.5.1.1 the kick is retaken 16.5.2 Goal kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper 16.5.2.1 If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: 16.5.2.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 16.5.2.2 If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: 16.5.2.2.1 a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 16.5.2.2.2 a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area 16.5.3 Goal kick taken by the goalkeeper 16.5.3.1 If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: 16.5.3.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 16.5.3.2 If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: 16.5.3.2.1 a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 16.5.3.2.2 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 16.5.4 For any other infringement of this Law: 16.5.4.1 the kick is retaken Law 17 — The Corner Kick 17.1 A corner kick is a method of restarting play. 17.2 A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team. 17.3 A corner kick is awarded when: 17.3.1 the whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the defending team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10 17.4 Procedure 17.4.1 the ball is placed inside the corner arc at the nearest corner flagpost 17.4.2 the corner flagpost is not moved 17.4.3 opponents remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc until the ball is in play 17.4.4 the ball is kicked by a player of the attacking team 17.4.5 the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves 17.4.6 the kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player 17.5 Infringements/Sanctions 17.5.1 Corner kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper 17.5.1.1 If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: 17.5.1.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 17.5.1.2 If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: 17.5.1.2.1 a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be 17.5.1.2.2 a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area 17.5.2 Corner kick taken by the goalkeeper 17.5.2.1 If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: 17.5.2.1.1 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 17.5.2.2 If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: 17.5.2.2.1 a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 17.5.2.2.2 an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 17.5.3 For any other infringement: 17.5.3.1 the kick is retaken Law 30 — Notes on the Laws of the Game 30.1 Modifications 30.1.1 Subject to the agreement of the member association concerned and provided the principles of these Laws are maintained, the Laws may be modified in their application for matches for players of under 16 years of age, for women footballers, for veteran footballers (over 35 years) and for players with disabilities. 30.1.2 Any or all of the following modifications are permissible: 30.1.2.1 size of the field of play 30.1.2.2 size, weight and material of the ball 30.1.2.3 width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground 30.1.2.4 duration of the periods of play 30.1.2.5 substitutions 30.1.3 Further modifications are only allowed with the consent of the International Football Association Board. Law 31 — PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE THE WINNER OF A MATCH OR HOME-AND-AWAY 31.1 Away goals, extra time and taking kicks from the penalty mark are methods of determining the winning team where competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match has been drawn or home-and-away. 31.2 Away Goals 31.2.1 Competition rules may provide that where teams play each other home and away, if the scores are equal after the second match, any goals scored at the ground of the opposing team will count double. 31.3 Extra Time 31.3.1 Competition rules may provide for two further equal periods, not exceeding 15 minutes each, to be played. The conditions of Law 8 will apply. 31.4 Kicks from the penalty mark 31.4.1 Procedure 31.4.1.1 The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken 31.4.1.2 The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or the second kick 31.4.1.3 The referee keeps a record of the kicks being taken 31.4.1.4 Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams take five kicks 31.4.1.5 The kicks are taken alternately by the teams 31.4.1.6 If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were to complete its five kicks, no more kicks are taken 31.4.1.7 If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same order until one team has scored a goal more than the other from the same number of kicks 31.4.1.8 A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are being taken from the penalty mark and is unable to continue as goalkeeper may be replaced by a named substitute provided his team has not used the maximum number of substitutes permitted under the competition rules 31.4.1.9 With the exception of the foregoing case, only players who are on the field of play at the end of the match, which includes extra time where appropriate, are allowed to take kicks from the penalty mark 31.4.1.10 Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a second kick 31.4.1.11 An eligible player may change places with the goalkeeper at any time when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken 31.4.1.12 Only the eligible players and match officials are permitted to remain on the field of play when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken 31.4.1.13 All players, except the player taking the kick and the two goalkeepers, must remain within the centre circle 31.4.1.14 The goalkeeper who is the team-mate of the kicker must remain on the field of play, outside the penalty area in which the kicks are being taken, on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line 31.4.1.15 Unless otherwise stated, the relevant Laws of the Game and International F.A. Board Decisions apply when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken 31.4.1.16 When a team finishes the match with a greater number of players than their opponents, they shall reduce their numbers to equate with that of their opponents and inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded. The team captain has this responsibility. 31.4.1.17 Before the start of kicks from the penalty mark the referee shall ensure that only an equal number of players from each team remain within the centre circle and they shall take the kicks. Law 32 — THE TECHNICAL AREA 32.1 The technical area described in Law 3, International F.A. Board Decision no. 2, relates particularly to matches played in stadia with a designated seated area for technical staff and substitutes as shown below. 32.2 Technical areas may vary between stadia, for example in size or location, and the following notes are issued for general guidance. 32.2.1 The technical area extends 1 m (1 yd) on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1 m (1 yd) from the touch line 32.2.2 It is recommended that markings are used to define this area 32.2.3 The number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules 32.2.4 The occupants of the technical area are identified before the beginning of the match in accordance with the competition rules 32.2.5 Only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions and he must return to his position after giving these instructions 32.2.6 The coach and other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area except in special circumstances, for example, a physiotherapist or doctor entering the field of play, with the referee’s permission, to assess an injured player 32.2.7 The coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner Law 33 — THE FOURTH OFFICIAL 33.1 The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue, unless a reserve assistant referee is appointed. He assists the referee at all times. 33.2 Prior to the start of the competition, the organiser states clearly whether, if the referee is unable to continue, the fourth official takes over as the match referee or whether the senior assistant referee takes over as referee with the fourth official becoming an assistant referee 33.3 The fourth official assists with any administrative duties before, during and after the match, as required by the referee 33.4 He is responsible for assisting with substitution procedures during the match 33.5 He supervises the replacement footballs, where required. If the match ball has to be replaced during a match, he provides another ball, on the instruction of the referee, thus keeping the delay to a minimum 33.6 He has the authority to check the equipment of substitutes before they enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply with the Laws of the Game, he informs the referee 33.7 He must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution or when violent conduct occurs out of the view of the referee and assistant referees. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play 33.8 After the match, the fourth official must submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any misconduct or other incident that has occurred out of the view of the referee and the assistant referees. The fourth official must advise the referee and his assistants of any report being made 33.9 He has the authority to inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any occupant of the technical area 33.10 A reserve assistant referee may also be appointed under competition rules. His only duty shall be to replace an assistant referee who is unable to continue or to replace the fourth official, as required. |
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