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 colour of artificial surfaces must be green.
Where artificial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representative teams of member associations affiliated to FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA.
Field markings
The field of play must be rectangular and 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.
The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which joins the midpoints of the two touch lines.
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.
Marks may be made off the field of play, 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal lines and the touch lines, to ensure that defending players retreat this distance when a corner kick is being taken.
Dimensions
The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length (touch line):
* minimum 90 m (100 yds)
* maximum 120 m (130 yds)
Width (goal line):
* minimum 45 m (50 yds)
* maximum 90 m (100 yds)
All lines must be of the same width, which must be not more than 12 cm (5 ins).
International matches
Length:
minimum 100 m (110 yds)
maximum 110 m (120 yds)
Width:
minimum 64 m (70 yds)
maximum 75 m (80 yds)
The goal area
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
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 the centre of 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 must be 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
A goal must be placed on the centre of each goal line.
A goal consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flagposts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. They must be square, rectangular, round or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous to players.
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 must be of the same width as 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.
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)
- Of a pressure equal to 0.6 - 1.1 atmosphere (600 - 1,100 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 original ball became defective, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the replacement ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the original ball was located when play was stopped
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 addition to the requirements of Law 2, acceptance of a ball for use in matches played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA or the confederations is conditional upon the ball bearing one of the following:
- the official “FIFA APPROVED” logo
- the official “FIFA INSPECTED” logo
- the “INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD” logo
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 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. Any substitute whose name is not given to the referee at this time may not take part in the match.
Substitution procedure
To replace a player with a substitute, the following conditions must be observed:
- the referee must be informed before any proposed substitution is made
- the substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee
- the substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match
- the 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 becomes a substituted player
- the substituted player 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
- the referee is informed before the match
Infringements and sanctions
If a substitute or substituted player enters the field of play without the referee's permission:
- the referee stops play (although not immediately if the substitute or substituted player does not interfere with play)
- the referee cautions him for unsporting behaviour and orders him to leave the field of play
- if the referee has stopped play, it is restarted with an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the position of the ball at the time of the stoppage (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee's permission before the change is made:
- the referee allows play to continue
- the referee cautions the players concerned when the ball is next out of play
In the event of any other infringements of this Law:
- the players concerned are cautioned
- the match is restarted with an indirect free kick, to be taken by a player of the opposing team from the position of the ball at the time of the stoppage (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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.
LAW 4 - THE PLAYERS' EQUIPMENTS
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 with sleeves - if undergarments are worn, the colour of the sleeve must be the same main colour as the sleeve of the jersey or shirt
- shorts - if undershorts are worn, they must be of the same main colour as the shorts
- stockings
- shinguards
- footwear
Shinguards
- are covered entirely by the stockings
- are made of rubber, plastic or a similar suitable material
- provide a reasonable degree of protection
Colours
- The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and also the referee and the assistant referees
- Each goalkeeper must wear colours that distinguish him from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees
Infringements and sanctions
In the event of 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 must 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 re-enters the field of play without the referee's permission must be cautioned.
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 team from the place where the ball was located when the referee stopped the match (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
Decisions of the International F.A. Board
Decision 1
Players must not reveal undergarments showing slogans or advertising. The basic compulsory equipment must not have any political, religious or personal statements. A player removing his jersey or shirt to reveal slogans or advertising will be
sanctioned by the competition organiser. The team of a player whose basic compulsory equipment has political, religious or personal slogans or statements will be sanctioned by the competition organiser or by FIFA.
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 cooperation 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 abandons the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws
- stops, suspends or abandons 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 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 the assistant referees regarding incidents that he has not seen
- ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the field of play
- indicates the restart of 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, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, 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 or the fourth official, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match.
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 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.
Such decisions 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 suitability of the field equipment and ball used during a match
- a decision to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference or any problem in spectator areas
- 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 require an injured player to 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 (where he has the authority) 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 official is appointed, his role and duties must be in accordance with the guidelines approved by the International F.A. Board, which are contained in this publication.
LAW 6 - THE ASSISTANT REFEREES
Duties
Two assistant referees may be appointed whose duties, subject to the decision of the referee, are to indicate:
- when the whole of the ball leaves the field of play
- which team 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 occurs out of the view of the referee
- when offences have been committed whenever the assistant referees have a better view than the referee (this includes, in certain circumstances, offences committed in the penalty area)
- whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and if the ball crosses the line
Assistance
The assistant referees also assist the referee in controlling the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. In particular, they may enter the field of play to help control the 9.15 m (10 yds) 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 - 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 teams. Any agreement to alter the duration of the periods of play (e.g. 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:
- substitutions
- 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.
LAW 8 - THE START AND 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 must be in their own half of the field of play
- 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 must be stationary on the centre mark
- the referee gives a signal
- the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward
- the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player
After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.
Infringements and sanctions
If the player taking the kick-off touches the ball again before it has touched another player:
- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the position of the ball when the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
In the event of any other infringement of the kick-off procedure:
- the kick-off is retaken
Dropped ball
If, while the ball is still in play, the referee is required to stop play temporarily for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game, the match is restarted with a dropped ball.
Procedure
The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.
Play restarts when the ball touches the ground
Infringements and 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
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 off a goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and remains in the field of play
- it rebounds off either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on the field of play
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 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
- a throw-in
- a corner kick
Infringements and sanctions
In the event of an offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick).
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 seven 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
- tackles an opponent
A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following three offences:
- 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 the place where the offence occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick).
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:
- controls the ball with his hands for more than six seconds before releasing it from his possession
- touches the ball again with his hands after he has released it from his possession and before it has touched another player
- touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-matetouches 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, in the opinion of the referee, a player:
- 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 send off a player
The indirect free kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick).
Disciplinary sanctions
The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been cautioned.
The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been sent off.
Only a player, substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card.
The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle.
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.
Cautionable offences
A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following seven offences:
- unsporting behaviour
- dissent by word or action
- persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game
- delaying the restart of play
- failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in
- entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee's permission
- deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee's permission
A substitute or substituted player is cautioned if he commits any of the following three offences:
- unsporting behaviour
- dissent by word or action
- delaying the restart of play
Sending-off offences
A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off if he commits any of the following seven offences:
- serious foul play
- violent conduct
- spitting at an opponent or any other person
- denying 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)
- denying 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
- using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
- receiving a second caution in the same match
A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area.
LAW 13 - FREE KICKS
Types of free kick
Free kicks are either direct or indirect.
The direct free kick
Ball enters the goal
- 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
if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal is awarded
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
Procedure
For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
Position of free kick
Free kick inside the penalty area
Direct or indirect free kick to the defending team:
- all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball
- all opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play
- the ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area
- a free kick awarded in the goal area may be taken from any point inside that area
Indirect free kick to the attacking team:
- all opponents must be 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 must be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred
Free kick outside the penalty area
- all opponents must be 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 or from the position of the ball when the infringement occurred (according to the infringement)
Infringements and 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 out of the penalty area:
- 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 again (except with his hands) 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 (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
- 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 again (except with his hands), 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 (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
LAW 14 - THE PENALTY KICK
Introduction
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:
- must be placed on the penalty mark
The player taking the penalty kick:
- must be properly identified
The defending goalkeeper:
- must remain on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked
The players other than the kicker must be 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
Procedure
- After the players have taken positions in accordance with this Law, the referee signals for the penalty kick to be taken
- The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward
- He must not play the ball again 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
The referee decides when a penalty kick has been completed.
Infringements and 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 occurs:
the player taking the penalty kick infringes the Laws of the Game:
- the referee allows the kick to be taken
- if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken
- if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is restarted 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 be taken
- 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 be taken
- if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken
- if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is restarted 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 be taken
- 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 again (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 (see Law 13 - Position of Free Kick)
the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
- a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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, unless it touched the outside agent inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball 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 15 - THE THROW-IN
Introduction
A throw-in is a method of restarting play.
A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or in the air.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
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
- holds the ball with both hands
- delivers the ball from behind and over his head
- delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play
All opponents must stand no less than 2 m (2 yds) from the point at which the throw-in is taken.
The ball is in play when it enters the field of play.
After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
Infringements and sanctions
Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper
If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball again (except with his hands) 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 (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
- 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 again (except with his hands), 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 (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower:
- he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour
For any other infringement of this Law:
- the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team
LAW 16 - THE GOAL-KICK
Introduction
A goal kick is a method of restarting play.
A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.
A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team
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 must not play the ball again until it has touched another player
- The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area
Infringements and sanctions
If the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area from a goal kick:
- 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 again (except with his hands) 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 (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
- 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 again (except with his hands) 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 (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
In the event of any other infringement of this Law:
- the kick is retaken
LAW 17 - THE CORNER KICK
Introduction
A corner kick is a method of restarting play.
A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.
A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team
Procedure
- The ball must be placed inside the corner arc nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line
- The corner flagpost must not be moved
- Opponents must remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc until the ball is in play
- The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team
- The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves
- The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player
Infringements and sanctions
Corner kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper
If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) 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 (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
- 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 again (except with his hands) 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 (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
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, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
- an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)
In the event of any other infringement:
- the kick is retaken
