Soccer Rules / GetSomeBalls

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Soccer Rules
1 The Field of Play
2 The Ball
3 The Number of Players
4 The Playersí 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

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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

^{LAW
1 - The Field of Play}

^Dimensions

^{The field of play must be rectangular. The
length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line.}

^Length:	^{minimum 90 m} ^{(100 yds)}	^{maximum 120 m} ^{(130 yds)}
^Width:	^{minimum 45 m} ^{(50 yds)}	^{maximum 90 m} ^{(100 yds)}
^{International Matches}
^Length:	^{minimum 100 m} ^{(110 yds)}	^{maximum 110 m} ^{(120 yds)}
^Width:	^{minimum 64 m} ^{(70 yds)}	^{maximum 75 m} ^{(80 yds)}

Field Markings

^{The field of play is marked
with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.}

^{The two longer boundary lines are called touch
lines. The two shorter lines are called goal lines. All lines are not more
than 12 cm (5 ins) wide.The field of play is divided into two halves by
a halfway line.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.}

^{The Goal Area}

^{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.}

^{The Penalty Area}

^{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.}

^{Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made
11 m (12 yds) from the midpoint between 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.}

^Flagposts

^{A flagpost, not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with
a non-pointed top and a flag is placed at each corner.Flagposts may also
be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1 m (1 yd) outside
the touch line.}

^{The Corner Arc}

^{A quarter circle with a radius of 1 m (1 yd) from
each corner flagpost is drawn inside the field of play.}

^Goals

^{Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal
line.They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flagposts
and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. 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). 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.}

^{The goalposts and crossbars must be white.}

^Safety

^{Goals must be anchored securely to the ground.
Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.}

^{The Field of Play}
^{Corner Flagpost}
^{Metric Measurements}
^{Imperial Measurements}

^{Decisions of the International F.A. Board}

^{- Decision 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.}

^{- Decision 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.}

^{- Decision 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.}

^{- Decision 4}

^{The reproduction, whether real or virtual, of representative logos
or emblems of FIFA, confederations, national 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.}

^{- Decision
5}

^{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.}

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LAW 2 - The Ball

^{Qualities and Measurements}

^{The ball is:}

^{- spherical}

^{- made of leather or other suitable
material}

^{- of a circumference of not more than
70 cm (28 ins) and not less than 68 cm (27 ins)}

^{- not more than 450 g (16 oz) in weight
and not less than 410 g (14 oz) at the start of the match of a pressure
equal to 0.6 1.1 atmosphere (600 - 1100 g/cm 2) at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq
in 15.6 lbs/sq in)}

^{Replacement of a Defective Ball}

^{If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a
match:}

^{- the match is stopped}

^{- the match is restarted by dropping
the replacement ball at the place where the first ball became defective}

^{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:}

^{- the match is restarted accordingly}

^{The ball may not be changed during the match without the authority
of the referee.}

^{Decisions of the International F.A. Board}

^{- Decision 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 organized under the auspices of the confederations,
acceptance of a football for use is conditional upon the football bearing
one of the following three designations:}

^{- the official ìFIFA APPROVEDî logo,
or}

^{- the official ìFIFA INSPECTEDî logo,
or}

^{- the reference ìInternational Matchball
Standardî}

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. National 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.

^{- Decision 2}

^{In FIFA competition matches and in competition matches organised
under the auspices of the confederations and national 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.}

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^{LAW
3 - The Number of Players}

^Players

^{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.}

^{Official Competitions}

^{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 national associations.}

^{The rules of the competition must state how many
substitutes may be nominated, from three up to a maximum of seven.}

^{Other Matches}

^{In other matches, up to five substitutes may be
used, provided that:}

^{- the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number}
^{- the referee is informed before the match}

^{If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement
is reached before the start of the match, no more than three substitutes
are allowed.}

^{All Matches}

^{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.}

^{Substitution Procedure}

^{To replace a player by a substitute, the
following conditions must be observed:}

^{- the referee is informed before any
proposed substitution is made}

^{- a substitute only enters the field
of play after the player being replaced has left and after receiving a
signal from the referee}

^{- a substitute only enters the field
of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match}

^{- a substitution is completed when
a substitute enters the field of play from that moment, the substitute
becomes a player and the player he has replaced ceases to be a player}

^{- a player who has been replaced takes
no further part in the match}

^{- all substitutes are subject to the
authority and jurisdiction of the referee, whether called upon to play
or not}

^{Changing the Goalkeeper}

^{Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper,
provided that:}

^{- the referee is informed before the change is made}
^{- the change is made during a stoppage in the match}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{If a substitute enters the field of play
without the refereeís permission:}

^{- play is stopped}
^{- the substitute is cautioned, shown the yellow card and required
to leave the field of play}
^{- play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place it was located
when play was stopped}

^{If a player changes places with the goalkeeper
without the refereeís permission before the change is made:}

^{- play continues}
^{- the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card
when the ball is next out of play}

^{For any other infringements of this Law:}

^{- the players concerned are cautioned
and shown the yellow card}

^{Restart of Play}

^{If play is stopped by the referee to administer
a caution:}
^{- 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}

^{Players and Substitutes Sent Off}

^{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.}

^{Decisions of the International
F.A. Board}

^{- Decision 1}

^{Subject to the overriding conditions of Law 3, the minimum number
of players in a team is left to the discretion of national associations.
The Board is of the opinion, however, that a match should not continue
if there are fewer than seven players in either team.}

^{- Decision 2}

^{The coach may convey tactical instructions to the players during
the match. He and the other 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 Playersí Equipment}

^Safety

^{A player must not use equipment or wear anything
which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of
jewellery).}

^{Basic Equipment}

^{The basic compulsory equipment of a player is:}

^{- a jersey or shirt}

^{- shorts - if thermal undershorts are
worn, they are of the same main colour as the shorts}

^{- stockings}

^{- shinguards}

^{- footwear}

^Shinguards

^{- are covered entirely by the stockings}
^{- are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar
substances)}
^{- provide a reasonable degree of protection}

^Goalkeepers

^{- each goalkeeper wears colours which distinguish him from the
other players, the referee and the assistant referees}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{For any infringement of this Law:}

^{- play need not be stopped}
^{- the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the
field of play to correct his equipment}
^{- the player leaves the field of play when the ball next ceases
to be in play, unless he has already corrected his equipment}
^{- any player required to leave the field of play to correct his
equipment does not re-enter without the refereeís permission}
^{- the referee checks that the playerís equipment is correct before
allowing him to re-enter the field of play}
^{- the player is only allowed to re-enter the field of play when
the ball is out of play}

^{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 refereeís permission is cautioned and shown
the yellow card.}

^{Restart of Play}

^{If play is stopped by the referee to administer
a caution:}
^{- 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}

^{LAW
5 - The Referee}

^{The Authority of the Referee}

^{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.}

^{Powers and Duties}

^{The Referee:}

^{- enforces the Laws of the Game}

^{- controls the match in co-operation
with the assistant referees and, where applicable, with the fourth official}

^{- ensures that the ball meets the requirements
of Law 2}

^{- ensures that the playersí equipment
meets the requirements of Law 4}

^{- acts as timekeeper and keeps a record
of the match}

^{- stops, suspends or terminates the
match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws}

^{- stops, suspends or terminates the
match because of outside interference of any kind}

^{- stops the match if, in his opinion,
a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the field
of play}

^{- allows play to continue until the
ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured}

^{- 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}

^{- 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}

^{- punishes the more serious offence
when a player commits more than one offence at the same time 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}

^{- 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}

^{- acts on the advice of assistant referees
regarding incidents which he has not seen}

^{- ensures that no unauthorised persons
enter the field of play}

^{- restarts the match after it has been
stopped}

^{- 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 which
occurred before, during or after the match}

^{Decisions of the Referee}

^{The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play
are final. 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.}

^{Decisions of the International F.A. Board}

^{- Decision 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 which 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.}

^{This may include:}

^{- 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}
^{- a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason}
^{- a decision as to the condition of the fixtures or equipment
used during a match including the goalposts, crossbar, flagposts and the
ball}
^{- a decision to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference
or any problem in the spectator area}
^{- a decision to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player
to be removed from the field of play for treatment}
^{- a decision to request or insist that an injured player be removed
from the field of play for treatment}
^{- a decision to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain
apparel or equipment}
^{- 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}
^{- any other decision which he may take in accordance with the
Laws of the Game or in conformity with his duties under the terms of FIFA,
confederation, national association or league rules or regulations under
which the match is played}

^{- Decision 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.}

^{- Decision 3}

^{Facts connected with play shall include whether a goal is scored
or not and the result of the match.}

LAW 6 - The Assitant Referees

^Duties

^{Two assistant referees are appointed whose duties,
subject to the decision of the referee, are to indicate:}

^{- when the whole of the ball has passed out of the field of play}
^{- which side is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in}
^{- when a player may be penalised for being in an offside position}
^{- when a substitution is requested}
^{- when misconduct or any other incident has occurred out of the
view of the referee}

^Assistance

^{The assistant referees also assist the referee
to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game.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

^{Periods of Play}

^{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.}

^{Half-Time Interval}

^{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.}

^{Allowance for Time Lost}

^{Allowance is made in either period for all time
lost through:}
^{- substitution(s)}
^{- assessment of injury to players}
^{- removal of injured players from the field of play for treatment}
^{- wasting time}
^{- any other cause}

^{The allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee.}

^{Penalty Kick}

^{If a penalty kick has to be taken or retaken,
the duration of either half is extended until the penalty kick is completed.}

^{Extra Time}

^{Competition rules may provide for two further
equal periods to be played. The conditions of Law 8 will apply.}

^{Abandoned Match}

^{An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition
rules provide otherwise.}

LAW 8 - The Start and Restart of Play

^{Preliminaries}

^{A coin is tossed and the team which wins the toss
decides which goal it will attack in the first half of the match.The other
team takes the kick-off to start the match.}

^{The team which wins the toss takes the kick-off to start the second
half of the match.In the second half of the match the teams change ends
and attack the opposite goals.}

^Kick-off

^{A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting
play:}
^{- at the start of the match}
^{- after a goal has been scored}
^{- at the start of the second half of the match}
^{- at the start of each period of extra time, where applicable}

^{A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.}

^Procedure

^{- all players are in their own half of the field}
^{- 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}
^{- the ball is stationary on the centre mark}
^{- the referee gives a signal}
^{- the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward}
^{- the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has
touched another player}

^{After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other
team.}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{If the kicker touches the ball a second time
before it has touched another player:}
^{- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be
taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{For any other infringement of the kick-off
procedure:}

^{- the kick-off is retaken}

^{Dropped Ball}

^{A dropped ball is a way of restarting the match
after a temporary stoppage which becomes necessary, while the ball is in
play, for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game.}

^Procedure

^{The referee drops the ball at the place where
it was located when play was stopped. Play restarts when the ball touches
the ground.}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{The ball is dropped again:}
^{- if it is touched by a player before it makes contact with the
ground}
^{- if the ball leaves the field of play after it makes contact
with the ground, without a player touching it}

^{Special Circumstances}

^{A free kick awarded to the defending team inside
its own goal area is taken from any point within the goal area. An indirect
free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponentsí goal area is
taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest
to where the infringement occurred. 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

^{Ball Out of Play}

^{The ball is out of play when:}
^{- it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on
the ground or in the air}
^{- play has been stopped by the referee}

^{Ball In Play}

^{The ball is in play at all other times, including
when:}
^{- it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and
remains in the field of play}
^{- it rebounds from either the referee or an assistant referee
when they are on the field of play}

LAW 10 - The Method of Scoring

^{Goal Scored}

^{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.}

^{Winning Team}

^{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.}

^{Competition Rules}

^{For matches ending in a draw, competition rules
may state provisions involving extra time, or other procedures approved
by the International F.A. Board to determine the winner of a match.}

LAW 11 - Offside

^{Offside Position}

^{It is not an offence in itself to be in an
offside position.}

^{A player is in an offside position if:}

^{- he is nearer to his opponentsí goal
line than both the ball and the second last opponent}

^{A player is not in an offside position if:}

^{- he is in his own half of the field
of play or}

^{- he is level with the second last
opponent or}

^{- he is level with the last two opponents}

^Offence

^{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:}

^{- interfering with play or}

^{- interfering with an opponent or}

^{- gaining an advantage by being in
that position}

^{No Offence}

^{There is no offside offence if a player receives
the ball directly from:}

^{- a goal kick or}

^{- a throw-in or}

^{- a corner kick}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{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.}

LAW 12 - Fouls and Misconduct

^{Fouls and misconduct are penalised as follows:}

^{Direct Free Kick}

^{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:}

^{- kicks or attempts to kick an opponent}
^{- trips or attempts to trip an opponent}
^{- jumps at an opponent}
^{- charges an opponent}
^{- strikes or attempts to strike an opponent}
^{- pushes an opponent}

^{A direct free kick is also awarded to the
opposing team if a player commits any of the following four offences:}

^{- tackles an opponent to gain possession
of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball}
^{- holds an opponent}
^{- spits at an opponent}
^{- handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within
his own penalty area)}

^{A direct free kick is taken from where the
offence occurred.}

^{Penalty Kick}

^{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.}

^{Indirect Free Kick}

^{An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing
team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following
five offences:}

^{- takes more than four steps while controlling the ball with his
hands, before releasing it from his possession}
^{- touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released
from his possession and has not touched any other player}
^{- touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately
kicked to him by a team-mate}
^{- touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly
from a throw-in taken by a team-mate}
^{- wastes time}

^{An indirect free kick is also awarded to
the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the referee:}

^{- plays in a dangerous manner}
^{- impedes the progress of an opponent}
^{- prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands}
^{- 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.}

^{Disciplinary Sanctions}

^{Cautionable Offences}

^{A player is cautioned and shown the yellow
card if he commits any of the following seven offences:}

^{1. is guilty of unsporting behaviour}
^{2. shows dissent by word or action}
^{3. persistently infringes the Laws of the Game}
^{4. delays the restart of play}
^{5. fails to respect the required distance when play is
restarted with a corner kick - free kick}
^{6. enters or re-enters the field of play without the refereeís
permission}
^{7.deliberately leaves the field of play without the refereeís
permission}

^{Sending-Off Offences}

^{A player is sent off and shown the red card
if he commits any of the following seven offences:}

^{1. is guilty of serious foul play}

^{2. is guilty of violent conduct}

^{3. spits at an opponent or any
other person}

^{4. denies the opposing team a
goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the
ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)}

^{5. denies an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity to an opponent moving towards the playerís goal by an offence
punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick}

^{6. uses offensive, insulting or
abusive language}

^{7. receives a second caution in
the same match}

^{Decisions of the International F.A. Board}

^{- Decision 1}

^{A penalty kick is awarded if, while the ball is in play, the goalkeeper,
inside his own penalty area, strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
by throwing the ball at him.}

^{Decision 2}

^{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.}

^{- Decision 3}

^{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.The goalkeeper is
considered to be guilty of time-wasting if he holds the ball in his hands
or arms for more than 5-6 seconds.}

^{Decision 4}

^{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.}

^{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.}

^{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.}

^{Decision 5}

^{A tackle from behind, which endangers the safety of an opponent,
must be sanctioned as serious foul play.}

LAW 13 - Free Kicks

^{Types of Free Kicks}

^{Free kicks are either direct or indirect.}

^{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.}

^{The Direct Free Kick}

^{- if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponentsí
goal, a goal is awarded}
^{- if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the teamís own
goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team}

^{The Indirect Free Kick}

^Signal

^{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.}

^{Ball Enters the Goal}

^{A goal can be scored only if the ball ?subsequently
touches another player before it enters the goal.}

^{- if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponentsí
goal, a goal kickis awarded}
^{- if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the teamís
own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team}

^{Position of Free Kick}

^{Free Kick Inside the Penalty Area}

^{Direct or indirect free kick to the defending
team:}

^{- all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball}
^{- all opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball
is in play}
^{- the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty
area}
^{- a free kick awarded in the goal area is taken from any point
inside that area}

^{Indirect free kick to the attacking team:}

^{- 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}

^{- the ball is in play when it is kicked
and moves}

^{- 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}

^{Free Kick Outside the Penalty Area}

^{- all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until
it is in play}

^{- the ball is in play when it is kicked
and moves}

^{- the free kick is taken from the place
where the infringement occurred}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball
than the required distance:}

^{- the kick is retaken}

^{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:}

^{- the kick is retaken}

^{Free kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper}

^{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:}

^{- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick
to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{If, after the ball is in play, the kicker
deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:}

^{- a direct free kick is awarded to the
opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement
occurred}

^{- a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement
occurred inside the kickerís penalty area}

^{Free kick taken by the goalkeeper}

^{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:}

^{- an indirect free kick is awarded
to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the}

^{place where the infringement occurred}

^{If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper
deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:}

^{- a direct free kick is awarded to the
opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeperís penalty
area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{- an indirect free kick is awarded
to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeperís
penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement
occurred}

LAW 14 - The Penalty Kick

^{A penalty kick is awarded against a team which
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. A goal may be
scored directly from a penalty kick. 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.}

^{Position of the Ball and the Players}

^{The ball:}

^{- is placed on the penalty mark}

^{The player taking the penalty kick:}

^{- is properly identified}

^{The defending goalkeeper:}

^{- remains on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts
until the ball has been kicked}

^{The players other than the kicker
are located:}

^{- inside the field of play}
^{- outside the penalty area}
^{- behind the penalty mark}
^{- at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the penalty mark}

^{The Referee}

^{- does not signal for a penalty kick to be taken until the players
have taken up position in accordance with the Law}
^{- decides when a penalty kick has been ?completed}

^Procedure

^{- the player taking the penalty kicks
the ball forward}

^{- he does not play the ball a second
time until it has touched another player}

^{- the ball is in play when it is kicked
and moves forward}

^{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:}

^{- the ball touches either or both of
the goalposts and/or the crossbar, and/or the goalkeeper}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{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:}

^{The player taking the penalty kick infringes
the Laws of the Game:}

^{- the referee allows the kick to proceed}
^{- if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken}
^{- if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is not retaken}

^{The goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the
Game:}

^{- the referee allows the kick to proceed}
^{- if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded}
^{- if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken}

^{A team-mate of the player taking the kick
enters the penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.15 m (10 yds)
of the penalty mark:}

^{- the referee allows the kick to proceed}
^{- if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken}
^{- if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is not retaken}
^{- if the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the
goal post and is touched}
^{by this player, the referee stops play and restarts
the match with an indirect free kick}
^{to the defending team}

^{A team-mate of the goalkeeper enters the
penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.15 m (10 yds) of the penalty
mark:}

^{- the referee allows the kick to proceed}
^{- if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded}
^{- if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken}

^{A player of both the defending team and the
attacking team infringe the Laws of the Game:}

^{- the kick is retaken}

^{If, after the penalty kick has
been taken:}

^{The kicker touches the ball a second time
(except with his hands) before it has touched another player:}
^{- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick
to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{The kicker deliberately handles the ball
before it has touched another player:}

^{- a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick
to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{The ball is touched by an outside agent as
it moves forward:}

^{- the kick is retaken}

^{The ball rebounds into the field of play
from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts, and is then touched
by an outside agent:}

^{- the referee stops play}
^{- play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where it
touched the outside agent}

LAW 15 - The Throw-In

^{A throw-in is a method of restarting play. A goal
cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.}

^{A throw-in is awarded:}

^{- when the whole of the ball passes over the touch line, either
on the ground or in the air}
^{- from the point where it crossed the touch line}
^{- to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball}

^Procedure

^{At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:}
^{- faces the field of play}
^{- has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground
outside the touch line}
^{- uses both hands}
^{- delivers the ball from behind and over his head}

^{The thrower may not touch the ball again until
it has touched another player.}
^{The ball is in play immediately it enters the field of play.}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{Throw-in taken by a player other
than the goalkeeper}

^{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:}
^{- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick
to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{If, after the ball is in play, the thrower
deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:}

^{- a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick
to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}
^{- a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside
the throwerís penalty area}

^{Throw-in taken by the goalkeeper}

^{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:}
^{- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick
to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper
deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:}

^{- a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement
occurred outside the goalkeeperís penalty area, the kick to be taken from
the place where the infringement occurred}
^{- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the
infringement occurred inside the goalkeeperís penalty area, the kick to
be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes
the thrower:}

^{- he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and shown the yellow
card}

^{For any other infringement of this Law:}

^{- the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team}

LAW 16 - The Goal Kick

^{A goal kick is a method of restarting play. A
goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing
team.}

^{A goal kick is awarded when:}

^{- 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}

^Procedure

^{- the ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player
of the defending team}
^{- opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is
in play}
^{- the kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has
touched another player}
^{- the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty
area}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{If the ball is not kicked directly into play
beyond the penalty area:}
^{- the kick is retaken}

^{Goal kick taken by a player other
than the goalkeeper}

^{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:}

^{- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick
to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{If, after the ball is in play, the kicker
deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:}

^{Goal kick taken by the goalkeeper}

^{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:}
^{- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick
to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper
deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:}

^{For any other infringement of this Law:}

^{- the kick is retaken}

LAW 17 - The Corner Kick

^{A corner kick is a method of restarting play.
A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the
opposing team.}

^{A corner kick
is awarded when:}

^{- 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}

^Procedure

^{- the ball is placed inside the corner arc at the nearest corner
flagpost}
^{- the corner flagpost is not moved}
^{- opponents remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until
it is in play}
^{- the ball is kicked by a player of the attacking team}
^{- the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves}
^{- the kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has
touched another player}

^{Infringements/Sanctions}

^{Corner kick taken by a player
other than the goalkeeper}

^{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:}
^{- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick
to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred}

^{If, after the
ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has
touched another player:}

^{Corner kick taken by the goalkeeper}

^{If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper
deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:}

^{For any other infringement:}

^{- the kick is retaken}