The Laws Of Football
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Law 1 - The Field of Play
Laws of the Game - The Field of Play
Produced by www.tonys-soccer-school.com Via FIFA
Field surface
Matches may be played on natural or artifi cial surfaces, according to the rules of the competition.
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 defi ned 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 fl ag 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 fl agposts 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.
Decisions of the International FA 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, fl agposts or their fl ags. No extraneous equipment (cameras, microphones, etc.) may be attached to these items.
Decision 4
There shall be no advertising of any kind within the technical area or within one metre from the touch line and outside the field of play on the ground. Further, no advertising shall be allowed in the area between the goal line and the goal nets.
Decision 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.
Decision 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.
Decision 7
Where artifi cial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representative teams of member associations affi liated to FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Artifi cial Turf or the International Artifi cial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA.
Decision 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
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/cm2) 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.
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 offi cial competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, the confederations or the member 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 national A team matches, up to a maximum of six substitutes may be used.
In all other matches, a greater number of 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 match, no more than six 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 fi eld of play without the referee’s permission: • play is stopped
The substitute is cautioned, shown the yellow card and required to leave the field of play
Play is restarted with an indirect free kick at the place the ball was located when play was stopped
If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee’s 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 FA 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 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.
Decision 2
A team offi cial may convey tactical instructions to the players during the match and he must return to his position after giving these instructions. All offi cials must remain within the confi nes of the technical area, where such an area is provided, and they must behave in a responsible manner.
Law 4 - The Players Equipment
Laws of the Game - The Players Equipment
Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).
Basic Equipment
The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items:
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 that 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 referee’s permission
the referee checks that the player’s equipment is correct before allowing him to re-enter the fi eld 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 referee’s 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
Decisions of the International F.A. Board
Decision 1
Players must not reveal undershirts that contain slogans or advertising. A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organiser.
Jerseys must have sleeves.
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 any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2
ensures that the players’ 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. An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted
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 satisfi ed 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 offi cials 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 that 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 that 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 or terminated the match.
Decision of the International FA Board
Decision 1
A referee (or where applicable, an assistant referee or fourth offi cial) is not held liable for: any kind of injury suffered by a player, offi cial 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. This may include:
a decision that the condition of the fi eld 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 fi xtures or equipment used during a match including the goalposts, crossbar, fl agposts 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 fi eld 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 that he may take in accordance with the Laws of the Game or in conformity with his duties under the terms of FIFA, confederation, member association or league rules or regulations under which the match is played
Decision 2
In tournaments or competitions where a fourth offi cial 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.
Decision 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
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
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)
whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper has moved forward before the ball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line
Assistance
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 9.15m distance.
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 - 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 insuffi cient 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 fi eld 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.
Abandoned Match
An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules provide otherwise.
Law 8 - The Start & Restart of Play
Preliminaries
A coin is tossed and the team that 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 that 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 that 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 opponents’ 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 & 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
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 FA Board, are permitted
Away goals rule
Extra time
Kicks from the penalty mark
Decisions of the International FA Board
Decision 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
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 opponents’ 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 fi eld 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.
Decisions of the International F.A. Board
Decision 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.
Decision 2
The definitions of elements of involvement in active play are as follows:
Interfering with play means playing or touching the ball passed or touched by a team-mate.
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.
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 & 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 four offences:
takes more than six seconds 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
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
Only a player or substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card. 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. Cautionable Offences
A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following seven offences:
is guilty of unsporting behaviour
shows dissent by word or action
persistently infringes the Laws of the Game
delays the restart of play
fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in
enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission
deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission
A substitute or substituted player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following three offences:
is guilty of unsporting behaviour
shows dissent by word or action
delays the restart of play
Sending-Off Offences
A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following seven offences:
is guilty of serious foul play
is guilty of violent conduct
spits at an opponent or any other person
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)
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
uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
receives a second caution in the same match
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.
Decisions of the International FA Board
Decision 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.
Decision 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.
Decision 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.
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.
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 opponents’ goal, a goal is awarded • if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team’s 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 opponents’ goal, a goal kick is awarded
if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team
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 opponents’ goal, a goal is awarded
if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team’s 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 opponents’ goal, a goal kick is awarded
if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team’s 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 kicker’s 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 goalkeeper’s 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 goalkeeper’s 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 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.
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 referee stops play and restarts the match with an indirect free kick to the defending team, from the place where the infringement occurred.
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 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 referee stops play and restarts the match with an indirect free kick to the defending team, from the place where the infringement occurred.
A team-mate of 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 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.
All opponents must stand no less than 2 meters from the point at which the throw-in is taken.
The ball is in play immediately after 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 thrower’s 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 goalkeeper’s 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 goalkeeper’s 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:
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 kicker’s penalty area
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:
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
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
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 corner arc until the ball 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:
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 kicker’s penalty area
Corner 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 goalkeeper’s 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 goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred
For any other infringement:
the kick is retaken
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