Law 1 - The Field of Play

Field Surface

Matches may be played on natural or artificial surfaces, according to the rules of the competition. The Field of Play and appurtenances shall be as shown in the plan above:-

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 1m (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 (8ft).

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 the 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 materials 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

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, 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 6

A mark may be made off the field of play, 9.15 metres (10yds) from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal line, to ensure that this distance is observed when a corner kick is being taken.

Decision 7

Where artificial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representative teams of 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.

Decision 8

Where a technical area exists, it must meet the requirements approved by the International FA Board, which are contained in this publication

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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 6 8 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 * (see Law 8)

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.

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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 organized 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 six substitutes may be used.

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 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 a dropped ball at the place it was located when play was stopped* (see Law 8)

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 * (see Law 8)
• 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.

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Law 4 – The Players 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
• shin guards
• footwear

Shin guards

• 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 referee’s permission
• the referee checks that the player’s 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 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.

Decision of the International FA Board

• Players must not reveal undershirts which contain slogans or advertising. A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organizer.
• Jerseys must have sleeves

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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
• 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 penalizes 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 unauthorized 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 realizing 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 FA 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, flag posts 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 FA 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.

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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 penalized 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

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Law 7 – The Duration of a 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.

Abandoned match

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

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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 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.

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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 flag post 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

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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 has been drawn, only the following procedures, which have been approved by the International F.A. Board, are permitted

• Away goals rule;
• Extra time;
• Kicks from the penalty mark.
• Decisions of the International FA Board

Decision 1

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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 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 penalized 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 situation 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.

John Baker, The FA's Head of Refereeing John Baker, explains in more depth:

"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.

In interpreting this on the field of play match officials, players, clubs, spectators and the media have to remember:

• If the player is behind the ball he cannot be offside - so players are usually safe when ball is cut back from the goal line
• If the goalkeeper has come out a long way for a ball, there may need to be two other defenders in order for an attacker not to be in an offside position.

Nearer to his opponents goal line needs further explanation (see below)

The occasions when a player is not in an offside position are largely clearly understood:

• If he is in his own half of the field of play
• If he is level with the second last defender
• If he is level with the last two defenders
• Nearer to his opponent's goal line or level with the second last or last opponent

The correct interpretation of this judgment is that the player's body and feet are taken into account. The easiest way to explain this is to consider the situation on the half way line.

If a player's feet are on the half way line I think we would all recognize that he as in his own half of the field of play. It is very difficult for a player in motion to be bolt upright so it is almost inevitable that his torso will be in the other half of the field - but that would not change our judgment.

When judging offside we should use the same criteria. The best advice for the match officials is therefore to consider the offside line in the same way as the half way line

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Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct

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 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 been 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.

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 or free kick
• enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission
• deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission

Sending-off offences

A 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 goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
• denies an obvious goal-scoring 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 who has been sent off 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. * (see page 3)

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 4

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

Decision 5

Any simulating action anywhere on the field, which is intended to deceive the referee, must be sanctioned as unsporting behaviour.

Decision 6

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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 9.15m (10 yards) 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 9.15m (10 yards) 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 9.15m (10 yards) 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
• 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, and 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

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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 goalline, 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 9.15m (10yds) 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 into the penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.15m (10yds) 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 into the penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.15m (10yds) 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*

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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 touchline, either on the ground or in the air

from the point where it crossed the touchline

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 touchline 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 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:

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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:

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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 flag post
• the corner flag post 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:
• 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:

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