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Some further useful History can also be found on these following web sites: FIFA Official Documents including Circulars http://www.innotts.co.uk/soccer/ http://www.fifa.com/en/game/historygame.html The current Laws can be found on the FIFA web site
here: http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/lawsofthegame.html |
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The Laws of the Game are determined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), whose membership is made up of representatives of FIFA and of the four ‘home’ associations: The F.A., Scottish F.A., F.A. of Wales and Irish F.A. This reflects the original role Great Britain, and specifically England, played in establishing the first set of Laws, which date from the formation of The Football Association in 1863.
The original Laws have changed only marginally over the years. Today’s 17 Laws continue to be based upon the rules that were first ratified by the Board when it was founded in 1886. Changes have occurred in accordance with the specific evolution and demands of modern-day football, but the key element remains of football being seen as essentially a simple game, with laws that can be applied in the same way at any level from the World Cup Final to a friendly game on a local park.
About International Football
Association Board (IFAB)
Founded in 1886, the IFAB is composed of The Football Association (England), The Scottish Football Association, The Football Association of Wales, The Irish Football Association (Northern Ireland) and FIFA, and has historically held the position as guardian of the Laws of the Game. Each British association has one vote apiece, while FIFA, which represents its 204 other member associations, has four. A three-quarter majority is required for any proposal to be
passed, (i.e. six of the eight votes) to be passed.
1580
A certain Giovanni Bardi published a set of rules of the game of "calcio".
1848/1849
The first Cambridge Rules are drawn up.
1877/1878
The associations in Great Britain formed to gain a uniform code.
1886/1887
2 June 1886: first official meeting of the International Football Association Board.
1891/1892
Introduction of the penalty-kick.
1913/1914
FIFA becomes a member of the International F.A. Board.
1925/1926
Amendment of off-side rule from three to two players.
1937-1938
The present Laws framed in a new system of codification but based on the Laws previously in force.
Law XIII - Free-Kick
Decision by the IFAB: in order to distinguish between a direct and an indirect free-kick,
the referee, ..., shall indicate accordingly by raising an arm above his head...
1980/1981
Law XII - Fouls and MisconductLaw XIII - Free-Kick
Taking a free-kick inside one's own penalty-area - the opposing team's players shall be at
least ten yards (9.15m) from the ball and shall remain outside the penalty area until the
ball has been kicked out of the area.
Law XVI - Goal-Kick
Opponents of the team taking the goal-kick shall remain outside the penalty-area until the
ball has been kicked out of the penalty-area.
Law III - Number of Players
A player who has been replaced shall not take any further part in the game. A substitute
shall be subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee whether called upon to
play or not.
Punishment: If a substitute enters the field of play without the authority of the referee, play shall be stopped. The substitute shall be cautioned and removed from the field or sent off according to the circumstances. The game shall be restarted by the referee dropping the ball at the place where it was when play was stopped.
Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
A player shall be sent off the the field of play, if, in the opinion of the referee, he:
Law VI - Linesmen
The linesmen are to indicate:
Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
Introduction of the four-step rule:
...from the moment the ball comes under his (the goalkeeper's) control, he takes more than
four steps without releasing the ball into play and - having released it - he touches the
ball again before it has been touched or played by another player...
Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
Modification of the four-step rule:
...from the moment the ball comes under his (the goalkeeper's) control, he takes more than
four steps in any direction whilst holding, bouncing or throwing the ball in the
air and catching it again, without releasing the ball into play or having released it into
play before, during or after the four steps - he touches it again with his hands
before it has been touched or played by another player...
Law VIII - The Start of Play
Drop-ball in the goal-area: on that part of the goal area line which runs parallel to the
goal-line, at the point nearest to where the ball was in play when play was stopped.
Law XIII - Free-Kick
An indirect free-kick awarded to the attacking team within its opponent's goal area shall
be taken from the part of the goal-area line which runs parallel to the goal-line, at the
point nearest where the offence was committed.
In various Laws: drop-ball provision in goal-area (cf. 1984) also extended to be consistent.
Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
Modification of the four-step rule:
...from the moment the ball comes under his (the goalkeeper's) control, he takes more than
four steps in any direction whilst holding, bouncing or throwing the ball in the air and
catching it again, without releasing the ball into play or having released it into play
before, during or after the four steps - he touches it again with his hands before it has
been touched or played by another player of the same team outside of the penalty-area, or
by a player of the opposing team either inside or outside of the penalty-area.
Law III - Number of Players
The substitution is completed when the substitute enters the field of play, from which
moment he becomes a player and the player whom he replaces ceases to be a player.
Law XIV - Penalty-Kick
The player taking the penalty-kick has to be properly identified.
Law VII - Duration of the Game (against time-wasting)
Allowance shall be made in either period for all the time lost through substitution, the
transport from the field of injured players, time-wasting and other cause ...the amount of
which shall be a matter for the discretion of the referee.
Law XIV - Penalty-Kick
A goal may be scored directly from a penalty-kick. When a penalty-kick is taken in the
normal course of play, or when time has been extended at half-time or full-time to allow a
penalty-kick to be taken or retaken, a goal shall not be nullified if, before passing
between the posts and under the crossbar, the ball touches either or both of the
goal-posts, or the crossbar, or the goalkeeper or any combination of these agencies,
providing that no other infringement occurred.
(in addition to that several decisions by the Board in case of encroachments)
Law XV - Throw-in
Decision: A throw-in taken from any position other than the point where the ball passed
over the touchline shall be considered to have been improperly thrown in.
Law I - Decision:
The goalposts must be of white colour.
Law III - Number of players:
Substitutes may be used under the rules of any official competition under the jurisdiction
of FIFA, Confederations or National Associations, ...
...a team shall not be permitted to use more than two substitutes from more than five
players...
Law IV - Players' equipment
(Codification of a practice) Footwear must be worn by players and conform to the
following standards: ...and pertinent decisions.
Law XI - Off-side (being level)
A player is in an off-side position ..., unless
Decision: A player who is level with the second last opponent or with the last two opponents is not in an off-side position.
Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
Mandatory Instruction of the IFAB ("professional foul")
If, in the opinion of the referee, a player who is moving towards his opponents' goal with
an obvious opportunity to score a goal is intentionally and physically impeded by unlawful
means, i.e. an offence punishable by a free-kick (or a penalty-kick), thus denying the
attacking player's team the aforesaid goal-scoring opportunity, the offending player shall
be sent off the field of play for serious foul play in accordance with Law XII (n).
Extension of the above mandatory instruction from 1990 which was
made an official IFAB decision)
Decision: If, in the opinion of the referee, a player, other than the goalkeeper
within his own penalty-area, denies his opponents a goal, or an obvious goalscoring
opportunity, by intentionally handling the ball, he shall be sent off the field of play
for serious foul play in accordance with Law XII (n).
Decision regarding when the goalkeeper is in possession of the
ball:
...will be considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his
hands or arms. Possession of the ball would include the goalkeeper intentionally parrying
the ball, but would 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.
Law IV
Equipment must be in order.
Law V
Backpass ruling: Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
On any occasion when a player deliberately kicks the ball to his own goalkeeper, the
goalkeeper is not permitted to touch it with his hands. If, however, the goalkeeper does
touch the ball with his hands, he shall be penalised by the award of an indirect free-kick
to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred,...
Law XIII
Any free-kick awarded to the defending team within its own goal-area, may be taken from
any point within the goal-area.
Law XVI - Goal-kick
To be taken from any point within the goal-area by a player of the defending team.
Law V - Referee
Decision 13: (Technical area) The coach may convey tactical instructions to players
during the match.
The coach and other officials, however, must remain within the confines of the technical
area where such an area is provided and they must conduct themselves, at all times, in a
responsible manner.
Decision 14: (fourth official) In tournaments or competitions where a fourth official is appointed, his roles and duties shall be in accordance with the guidelines approved by the IFAB.
Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
Precision that a player is to be cautioned and shown the yellow card as per the specific provisions. Precision that a player is to be sent off the field and shown the red card, if in the opinion of the referee, he:
Decision 18: Subject to the terms of Law XII, 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 to circumvent article 5 (c) of Law XII, the player will be guilty of ungentlemanly conduct ...
Law I - The Field of Play
For safety reasons, the goals, including those which are portable, must be anchored
securely to the ground.
Law III - Number of Players (substitute ruling 2 + 1)
...a team may also use a third substitute provided that he is designated as a substitute
goalkeeper, who may be used to replace only the goalkeeper.
If, however, the goalkeeper is ordered off, the designated substitute goalkeeper may
subsequently replace another player of the same team and play as goalkeeper.
Law III - Number of Players (three substitutes without
restriction)
Up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match played in an official
competition ..
Law VII - Duration of the Game
The half-time interval shall not exceed 15 minutes.
Law XI Off-side
It is not an offence in itself to be in an off-side position.
A player shall only be penalised for being in an off-side position, 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:
Laws XII - re-editing of offences
Decisions 6, 7, 10 and 13 to punish various offences
Law XIV - Penalty-kick
A penalty-kick shall be taken from the penalty-mark and, when it is being taken, all
players with the exception of the player taking the kick, properly identified, and the
opposing goalkeeper, shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty-area, at
least 10 yards, from the penalty-mark and must stand behind the penalty-mark.
Law II - The Ball
As per requirements of FIFA Denominations as set forth in Decision 4 of the IFAB
Law III - Number of Players
The rules of the competition shall state how many substitutes may be nominated, from three
up to a maximum of seven.
Law V - Referees
Decision 7: (advantage clause) If the referee applies the advantage clause and the
advantage which was anticipated does not develop at that time, the referee shall penalise
the original offence.
Law VI - Assistant Referees (formerly Linesmen)
Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
provisions regarding offences that are punishable by a direct free-kick and if committed
in the penalty-area by a penalty-kick;
dangerous play to be punished by an indirect free-kick.
Law IV - Players' Equipment
Now includes the statement: "If thermal shorts are worn they must be of the same main
colour as the shorts."
Law V - The Referees
"Any player bleeding from a wound must leave the field for treatment."
Law VIII - The Start and Restart of Play
"The team which wins the toss shall decide which goal it will attack in the first
half of the match. The other team shall take the kick-off."
"A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off."
"The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward."
Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
An indirect free-kick will be awarded if the goalkeeper handles the ball after receiving
it from a throw-in from his own team.
IFAB decisions 13 and 14, which relate to the prevention of obvious goal scoring opportunities now become Law.
Binding instruction
The referee has to consider that the goalkeeper is wasting time and therefore has to award
an indirect free-kick against him, if he holds the ball for longer than 5 - 6 seconds.
Law XIV - The Penalty Kick
The new text states "The goalkeeper remains on his own goal line, facing the kicker,
between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked". The phrase "without
moving his feet" has been deleted.
Players who enter the penalty area before the ball has been kicked need not now be cautioned.
Law XVI - The Goal Kick
"A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick."
Indirect Free Kick (new word order and additional bullet points)
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:
An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the referee :
Sending off offences (rewording
of the fourth offence)
Decision 3 (last sentence
added to the present text)
The goalkeeper is considered to be guilty of time-wasting if he holds the ball in his hands or arms for more than 5-6 seconds.
New Decision 5
A tackle from behind which endangers the safety of
an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play.
Acts of serious foul play are punishable by a red card.
Law XIV - The Penalty Kick (additional bullet points)
A team-mate of the player taking the kick enters the penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.5 m (10 yds) of the penalty mark:
Kicks from the Penalty Mark (procedure - new text)
Other decisions taken by the International F.A.Board (procedure - new text)
The Board also confirmed that when returning to the field of play, an injured player can enter the field from any point on the boundary lines if the ball is out of play. If the ball is in play, the player may only re-enter the field of play from a touch line. In each case he must await the referee's signal.
Law XII - Fouls and
Misconduct (New Decision 6)
Any simulation action anywhere on the field,
which is intended to deceive the referee,must be sanctioned as unsporting behaviour.
Forth Official (new wording 6th
point)
He has the authority to check the equipment of
substitutes before they enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply within
the Laws of the Game, he informs the referee.
New Point 7:
He has the authority to inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any occupant of the technical area
2000/2001
(Present Decisions 4 and 5 become Decisions 5 and 6 respectively)
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.
Law III - The Number of Players
New text:
Other matches:
In other matches, substitutes may be used provided that
the teams concerned reach an agreement on a maximum number
the referee is informed before the match
If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the start of the match, no more than three substitutes are allowed.
Law III – The Number of Players
New Decision 2:
The coach may convey tactical instructions to the players during the match and he must return to his position immediately after giving these instructions. He and the other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area, where such an area is provided, and they must behave in a responsible manner.
Law VI – The Assistant Referees
New text:
Duties:
Two assistant referees are appointed whose duties, subject to the decision of the referee, are to indicate:
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.
Law XII – Fouls and Misconduct (new text)
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits the following offence:
(Rest of text unchanged)
Sending-off offences (new text)
Reason:
A player may now be sent off if, in the opinion of the referee, he is guilty of using language or gestures which are offensive or insulting or abusive. The referee must take into account the severity of the offence.
He continues to have the authority to decide whether, in his opinion, a player’s unacceptable language or gestures are to be deemed a sending-off offence.
Kicks from the Penalty Mark: (New bullet points)
When a team finishes the match with a greater number of players than their opponents, they shall reduce their numbers to equate with that of their opponents and inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded. The team captain has this responsibility.
Fourth Official (Amendments to bullet point)
2001/2002
AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME
FOR SEASON 2001/2002
All amendments and decisions must be enforced from 1 July 2001
The 115th Annual Meeting of the International Football Association Board was held in
Edinburgh, Scotland on 1Oth March 2001. The amendments to the Laws of the Game and various
instructions and directives are listed below.
1. AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME
NOTES ON THE LAWS OF THE GAME
New text:
Modifications
Subject to the agreement of the nationals associations concerned and provided the
principles of these Laws are maintained, the Laws may be modified in their application for
matches for players of under 16 years of age, for women footballers, for veteran
footballers (over 35 years) and for players with disabilities.
Reason: This change recognises the large number of players with disabilities who
play football and permits appropriate modifications to the Laws to enable them to take
part in officially organised competitions.
LAW 3 - THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS
New text:
Decisions of the International FA Board
Decision 2
A team official may convey tactical instructions to the players during the match
and must return to his position after doing so. All team officials must remain
within the confines of the technical area, where such an area is provided and they must
behave in a responsible manner.
Reason:
The new text recognises that tactical instructions may be given by different team
officials during the match provided the person returns to his or her position after giving
these instructions and behaves in a responsible manner. The statement that the team
official must return immediately to his or her position has been removed.
LAW 12 - FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
New text:
Indirect free kick
Delete bullet point 5
- Wastes time
Decisions of the International FA Board
Decision 3
Delete the final paragraph:
The goalkeeper is considered to be guilty of time-wasting if he holds the ball in his
hands or arms for more than 5-6 seconds.
Reason:
Both texts are no longer necessary because of the alteration to Law 12 in 2000 which
stated that a goalkeeper is permitted to control the ball with his hands or arms for up to
six seconds
Disciplinary Sanctions
New text:
Only a player or substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card.
Reason:
This clarifies the use of red and yellow cards
Sending Off Offences
To be added after Sending Off Offence No.7
A player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the
technical area.
Reason:
This clarifies the situation for players who have been sent off.
Decisions of the International FA Board
Decision 1
Delete. The decisions 2 to 6 became decisions 1 to 5 respectively.
Reason:
This confirms the sanction to be taken as stated in the Question and Answers Book on the
laws of the Game, when an object is thrown at an opponent from a distance.
KICKS FROM THE PENALTY MARK
New title:
PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE THE WINNER OF A MATCH
The Golden Goal and taking kicks from the penalty mark are methods of
determining the winning team where competition rules require there to be a winning team
after a match has been drawn.
The Golden Goal
Procedure
- During the period of extra time played at the end of normal playing time, the team which
scores the first goal is declared the winner
- If no goals are scored the match is decided by kicks from the penalty mark
Kicks from the Penalty Mark
Procedure
Text remains unchanged
Reason:
To formally recognise the approval by the International F.A. Board of the Golden Goal as
one of the possible procedures to determine the winner of the match.
2. INFORMATION, INSTRUCTIONS AND DIRECTIVES
Holding and Pulling
The International FA Board expresses its concern at the amount of holding and pulling
which was prevalent in football today. It recognised that not every instance of holding
and pulling of jerseys and shorts was unsporting behaviour, as is also the case with
deliberate handball. It expressed regret, however, that referees were not applying the
Laws fully in dealing with blatant cases of holding and pulling and issued the following
Mandatory Instruction:
Referees are instructed that, in the case of blatant holding and pulling, the offence must
be sanctioned by a direct free kick, or a penalty kick if the offence is committed inside
the penalty area, and the player must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour.
Treatment of Injured Players
The Board considered the problems caused by injuries to players. It was of the opinion
that referees should allow players to return to the field of play as soon as possible
after they have recovered from injury. In this respect, and in the case of players
returning from treatment for a bleeding injury, referees may be assisted by the fourth
official, where one has been appointed to the match.
The Board also expressed its concern at the loss of playing time caused by the assessment
of injuries to players and their removal from the field of play. The safety of the players
must always be the main priority, however referees are instructed to add the full amount
of time lost for these and any other reasons at the end of each period of play.
3. EXPERIMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME
Two Referees
The Board having monitored the experiment of using two referees in a number of
federations, decided to end the experiment.
9.15 metre Advancement
The Board received reports from the Football Association and from the Scottish Football Association about the experiment of advancing play by 9.15 metres towards the centre of the opposing goal where a player failed to respect the required distance, delayed the restart off play by carrying, throwing or kicking the ball away, showed dissent by word or action or indulged in any other form of unsporting behaviour.
It agreed that the experiment should continue for another year with an amendment to the current experiment to cease the advancement of play at the penalty area line.
Advertising
The board noted with concern that its decisions taken on 4 March 1995 prohibiting advertising and club logos on goal nets and corner flags, was not being respected. Such advertising or publicity is not permitted in the Laws of the Game and FIFA was asked to take action against clubs which do not respect these instructions.
Celebration of a goal
The Board recognised that the celebration of a goal was an important and emotional part of
football and relaxed the earlier statement in FIFA Circular 579 of 23 January 1996 that
any player removing the jersey while celebrating a goal should be cautioned. Players will
no longer be cautioned if they remove their shirt but they will be cautioned for
unsporting behaviour if their celebrations are provocative and intended to incite or
ridicule opponents or opposing spectators. Players guilty of excessive time-wasting while
celebrating a goal will also be cautioned.
Players wearing spectacles
Sympathy was expressed for players, especially young players, who need to wear spectacles.
It was accepted that new technology had made sports spectacles much safer, both for the
player himself and for other players.
While the referee has the final decision on the safety of players’ equipment, the
Board expects that they will take full account of modern technology and the improved
safety features of spectacle design when making their decision.
Artificial Surfaces
The Board was pleased to note the major developments taking place in artificial playing
surfaces and the introduction of the FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Turf. FIFA stated
that there was a great interest in the introduction of these surfaces both for climatic
reasons and for use in enclosed all seated stadia.
Artificial surfaces are already permitted for qualifying matches in the 2002 FIFA World
Cup and Olympic Football Tournaments.
2002/2003
Circular no. 807
Zurich, 7th May 2002
GS/ gcu
Amendments to the Laws of the Game 2002
Dear Madam/Sir,
The 116th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board took place in Zermatt Switzerland on 16th March 2002. The amendments to the Laws of the Game and the various instructions and directives are Listed below.
AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME AND DECISIONS OF THE BOARD
LAW 4 - THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
New Decision of the International F.A. Board
Decision 1
• Advertising is permitted only on the players' jerseys. It may not be worn on shorts, stockings or footwear.
• 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 organiser.
• Jerseys must have sleeves.
LAW 5 - THE REFEREE
New text
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.
Reason:
This clarifies the procedure to be followed when a player returns to the field of play following injury.
Law 12 – FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
New Text
Indirect Free Kick
An Indirect tree kick Is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offences:
Reason:
This is a minor alteration to the text to recognise that there are now tour offences instead of five as before
INFORMATION, INSTRUCTIONS AND DIRECTIVES
SIMULATION
There was unanimous support for a high profile publicity campaign to be organised by FIFA against players guilty of this offence. Referees are instructed to take strong action against simulation and players guilty of simulation must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour.
PLAYERS DELAYING THE RESTART OF PLAY
Serious concern was expressed at the number of players who delay the restart of play. The Laws of the Game are very clear on this matter and The Board insists that referees must apply them.
TEMPORARY EXPULSIONS
The Board strongly supported FIFA's concern that some national associations continue to use temporary expulsions in lower leagues. The Board confirmed in the strongest terms that this procedure must cease immediately otherwise disciplinary sanctions will be applied against the offending federation.
CELEBRATION OF A GOAL
The Board expressed its concern at the common practice of players removing their shirts while celebrating a goal to reveal slogans and advertising.
It was agreed that when time wasting occurred referees would continue to take actions in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
It was also agreed that when slogans and advertising were displayed on an undershirt, the matter could be dealt with by the disciplinary procedures of the competition.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO REFEREES, ASSISTANT REFEREES AND FOURTH OFFICIALS
The Board approved that the Additional Instructions for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials would now be printed in the Laws of the Game book.
ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
The Board endorsed its support at last year's meeting for the FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Surfaces.
The amendments to the Laws of the Game take effect from 1st July 2002 and instructions and directives are introduced with immediate effect.
We thank you for your attention to the foregoing.
Yours faithfully,
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIA11ON
Michel- Zen-Ruffinen
General. Secretary
CC: FIFA Executive Committee
FIFA referees' Committee
FIFA referees and assistant referees
FIFA referee instructors
Confederations
2003/2004
Circular no.847
Zurich, 12 May 2003
GS/hus/mjo
Amendments to the 2003 Laws at the Game
Dear Sir or Madam,
The 117th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board took place In Belfast, Northern Ireland on 15th March 2003. The amendments to the Laws of the Game made at the meeting and the various Instructions and directives are listed below.
AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME AND DECISIONS OF THE BOARD
LAW 4 - THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
Decision of International F.A. Board
Decision I
- 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 organiser.
- jerseys must have sleeves.
The Board agreed to remove the bullet point which permitted advertising only on players’ Jerseys.
The Fourth Official
New Text
Bullet point 1
The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue. He assists the referee at all times.
Bullet point 7
He must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution or when violent conduct occurs out of the view of the referee and assistant referees. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play.
Reason:
By stating in bullet point 7 that "the fourth official assists the referee at all
times," there is an inference that this could be in respect of matters of misconduct,
the topic of the remainder of the paragraph. It is not expected or desired that the fourth
official should be extending his role to include reporting cautionable offences and
therefore for reasons of clarity and interpretation it is more appropriate to have the
phrase in bullet point 1.
Procedures to determine the winner of a match – Kicks from the Penalty Mark
New Text
The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or the second kick.
Reason:
To give the team who wins the toss a fair choice and not to insist that they take the
first kick, which can be perceived as an advantage to the team which loses the toss.
Additional Instructions for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials
New Text
The Penalty Kick
It is an infringement to enter the penalty area before the kick has been taken. The goalkeeper also infringes the Laws if he moves from his goal-line before the ball has been kicked. Referees must ensure that when players infringe this Law appropriate action is taken.
Reason:
Law 14 was amended in 1997, taking away the necessity for referees to caution when
player(s) entered the penalty area prior to a penalty kick being taken. The amendment also
allowed the goalkeeper to move along his goal line. Nowadays, infringements often occur at
a penalty kick, yet the referee seldom takes action.
INFORMATION, INSTRUCTIONS AND DIRECTIVES
Rules of the International Football Association Board
The Board shall meet bi-annually. The Annual General Meeting shall take place in the month of February or March, as agreed. The Annual Business Meeting shall take place in the month of September or October, as agreed.
TEMPORARY EXPULSIONS
The Board re-affirmed the decision taken at its last meeting that the temporary expulsion of players is not permitted at any level of football.
ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
The Board recognised the advances in artificial surface technology and the major benefits of using artificial surfaces in areas with climatic problems. It also recognised that artificial surfaces allowed multiple and extended use of facilities in urban environments. The Board mandated FIFA to create clear procedures for the use of artificial surfaces, to unify the quality system and apply it worldwide, taking into consideration the best resources and knowledge available.
The amendments to the Laws of the Game take effect as from 1st July 2003 and instructions and directives are introduced with immediate effect.
Yours faithfully,
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE
DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Jér
ôme ChampagneDeputy General Secretary
cc: FIGFA Executive Committee
FIFA Referees'
Committee
FIFA Referees and
Assistant Referees
FIFA Referee
instructors
Confederations
2004/2005
28 February 2004 - At its 118th Annual General Meeting in London on 28 February 2004, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), chaired by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, approved a number of amendments to the Laws of the Game.
Key decisions reached included the following:
- Law 1 - The Field of Play: If permitted under the applicable competition rules, matches may be played on a natural turf or artificial turf surface. In the case of artificial turf, the surface must meet the requisite quality standards (i.e. the FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard).
- Law 3 - The Number of Players: No more than six substitutions per team shall be permitted in friendly matches.
- Law 10 - Method of Scoring: With regard to the method for determining the winner of a match, the IFAB ruled in favour of extra-time, consisting of two periods of no more than 15 minutes each, followed by kicks from the penalty mark. As a result, matches will no longer be decided by "golden goal' or "silver goal".
- Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct: Any player removing his jersey after scoring a goal shall be cautioned for unsporting behaviour.
Furthermore, Law 5 will now dictate that if the rules of a competition endorse the use of a fourth official, his function and responsibilities shall correspond with those laid down by the IFAB,
All of the changes to the laws of the Game shall come into force worldwide on 1 July 2004.
The IFAB chose to reject proposals to increase the maximum length of the half-time interval from 15 to 20 minutes and to advance free kicks by 9.15 metres if a player from the penalised team fails to retreat the required distance or prevents the free kick from being taken.
FIFA Communications Division
London/Zurich, 28 February 2004
200
5/2006INFORMATION ON THE AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME AND INSTRUCTIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL F.A. BOARD 2005/2006
For the attention of players, referees, coaches, officials and all interested in Association Football
Attention is drawn to the following: -
1. At its annual meeting this year, the International Football Association Board made a small number of amendments to the Laws of the Game and the decisions thereon. All concerned with the game are urged to ensure that they obtain a copy of the revised "Laws of Association Football - Guide for Players and Referees, 2005/2006", containing full
details.
In accordance with earlier practice, the contents of the relevant FIFA Circular No 968, issued 17th May 2005, with the amendments, are printed in this Information Booklet.
All amendments and decisions must be enforced from 1 July 2005.
2. Players are reminded again that they should ensure that they do not wear anything that is dangerous to themselves or other players (including any kind of jewellery). Taping up of rings is only permitted if this renders them entirely safe. There is growing evidence of players being injured by opponents' studs and blades on footwear. Referees have been instructed to carry out inspections prior to every match in order to reduce this danger.
3. Players and referees are reminded that racist remarks constitute a dismissal offence in accord with Law 12 (the use of offensive, insulting or abusive language) and must be punished accordingly.
4. Players, managers, coaches, referees and administrators all have a responsibility to ensure that the image of the national game is not tarnished either by the use, or the acceptance, of offensive language likely to incite, insult or provoke others. The FA is committed to eliminating the use of offensive language towards match officials.
5. The image of the game can be improved by increasing the respect shown towards referees' decisions and by removing practices such as simulation. The FA Disciplinary Committee will use its new procedures to support these principles.
6. The FA is concerned over the increasing practice of players surrounding referees to challenge decisions. This brings the game into disrepute. The cooperation of all stakeholders is encouraged to challenge this indiscipline.
7. Players bleeding from wounds have always been required to leave the field of play until the bleeding has stopped. Players are not allowed to wear blood stained clothing, as this constitutes continuing danger to participants.
8. Finally, a reminder is given that it is a decision of the Council of The Football Association that instructions regarding the Laws of the Game will be given only by The Football Association. No other Association or League is permitted to do so.
Brian Barwick
Chief Executive
May 2005
TO THE MEMBERS OF FIFA
Circular no. 968
Zurich, 17 May
2005
GS/ftr-sma
Amendments to the Laws of the Game - 2005
Dear Sir or Madam,
The 2005 Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) took place in the Vale of Glamorgan on 26 February 2005. The amendments to the Laws of the Game made at the meeting and the various instructions and directives are listed below.
1. - AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME AND DECISIONS OF THE BOARD
Other Matches
| Present Text
In other matches, up to six substitutes may be used. |
New
text
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:·
If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the match, no more than six substitutes are allowed. |
Reason:
This change will clarify the present position.
LAW 3 - THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Infringements/Sanctions
Bullet point 3
| Present
Text
Play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place it was located when the play was stopped. * |
New
text
Play is restarted with an indirect free kick at the place the ball was located when the play was stopped.* |
Reason:
It should be considered to be an infringement by the team of the substitute player who enters the field of play without permission, and his team should be penalised with an indirect free kick.
LAW 5 - THE REFEREE
Decisions of the Referee
| Present
Text
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. |
New
text
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. |
Reason:
The text needs to be clarified because of a practical situation that arose in France, when a referee saw the assistant referee signal after he had ended the match.
LAW 11 - OFFSIDE
New International FA 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.
Reason:
Football is played with the head, body and feet. If these are nearer the opponents' goal line, there is a potential advantage. There is no advantage to be gained if only the arms are in advance of the opponent.
New International FA Board 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.
Reason:
These definitions have been tried out over two seasons and modified following the approval of the original interpretation by the IFAB business meeting in September. This IFAB decision gives the appropriate recognition to the Laws of the Game booklet.
LAW 12 - FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
Disciplinary sanctions
| Present
Text
Only a player or substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card. |
New
text
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. |
Reason:
It is important to define when the referee is authorised to show red and yellow cards. When incidents happen on the pitch right after the final whistle, a card may now be shown and, it would be more effective than the current practice of just reporting the incident.
LAW 12 - FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
International FA Board Decision 4
| Present
Text
A tackle from behind, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play. |
New
text
A tackle, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play. |
Reason:
A tackle from behind but also from the side or front, which injures or could have injured the opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play.
LAW 14 - THE PENALTY KICK
Infringements/Sanctions
The player taking the penalty kick infringes the Laws of the Game
Bullet point three
| Present
Text
If the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is not retaken. |
New
text
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. |
A team-mate of the player taking the kick enters the penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.15m (10 yds) of the penalty mark:
Bullet point three
| Present
Text
If the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is not retaken. |
New
text
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. |
Reason:
The current text is confusing and leads to different interpretations.
LAW 15 - THE THROW-IN
Procedure
| Present
Text
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
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. |
New
text
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. All opponents must stand no less than 2 metres from the point at which the throw in is taken. The ball is in play immediately it enters the field of play. |
Reason:
There is an increasing trend for an opponent to stand immediately in front of the thrower at a throw-in, with his feet virtually on the touchline. There is no breach of Law 15 but without doubt the thrower is being impeded from completing the throw. In addition, there is the possibility of a confrontational situation developing between both players.
The only occasions where players currently need to retreat a prescribed distance at the start or restart of play is at a dropped ball or a throw-in and the proposal brings the throw-in in line with other laws.
A number of national associations are actually unofficially imposing a prescribed distance in such situations and this proposed amendment would ensure standardisation of the application of the Laws of the Game.
2. INFORMATION
Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
The following proposal was submitted by FIFA as a new International FA Board decision:
Once the referee has stopped the match to award a free kick, any player from the team that committed the foul who deliberately touches the ball is considered as delaying the restart of play and should be punished with a yellow card. This sanction also applies to a player who touches the ball when a throw-in or corner kick is awarded in favour of the opponent and if a player takes the ball from the goal net after his team has scored a goal (kick-off for the opponent).
Reason:
Clear guidelines should stop unsporting tactics to delay the restart of play, such as holding the ball for a few seconds or throwing it away, thereby allowing the defence to regain its position. It should also stop players fighting for the ball.
The board decided to allow FIFA to experiment with this proposal at the FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands and at the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru. FIFA will report on the experiment at the next AGM.
The Ball
The board gave FIFA permission to experiment with new goal line ball technology at the FIFA U-17 world Championship Peru 2005 and at the FIFA Club World Championship TOYOTA Cup in Japan. FIFA will report on this experiment at a future meeting.
The amendments to the Laws of the Game take effect as from 1 July 2005 and instructions and directives are introduced with immediate effect
Yours faithfully,
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE
DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Urs Linsi
General Secretary
| cc: | FIFA Executive Committee FIFA Referees Committee Confederations |
Federation Internationale de Football Association
Hitzigweg 11 P.O. Box 85 8030 Zuric Switzerland Tel: +41-(0)43-222 7777 Fax: +41-(0)43-222 7878 Internet: wwwFIFA.com
2006/2007
INFORMATION ON THE AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME AND INSTRUCTIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL F.A. BOARD
2006/2007
For the attention of players, referees, coaches, officials and all interested in Association Football
Attention is drawn to the following:
1. At its annual meeting this year, the International Football Association Board made a small number of amendments to the Laws of the Game and the decisions thereon. All concerned with the game are urged to ensure that they obtain a copy of the revised "Laws of Association Football - Guide for Players and Referees, 2006-2007", containing full details.
In accordance with earlier practice, the contents of the relevant FIFA Circular (No1033, issued 25th April 2006), with the amendments, are printed in this Information Booklet.
All amendments and decisions must be enforced from 1 July 2006.
2. Players are reminded again that they should ensure that they do not wear anything that is dangerous to themselves or other players (including any kind of jewellery'). Taping up of rings is only permitted if this renders them entirely safe. There is growing evidence of players being injured by opponents' studs and blades on footwear. Referees have been instructed to carry out inspections prior to every match in order to reduce this danger.
3. Players and referees are reminded that racist remarks constitute a dismissal offence in accord with Law 12 (the use of offensive, insulting or abusive language) and must be punished accordingly.
4. Players, managers, coaches, referees and administrators all have a responsibility to ensure that the image of the national game is not tarnished either by the use, or the acceptance, of offensive language likely to incite, insult or provoke others. The FA is committed to eliminating the use of offensive language towards match officials.
5. The image of the game can be improved by increasing the respect shown towards referees' decisions and by removing practices such as simulation. The FA Disciplinary Committee will use its new procedures to support these principles.
6. Players bleeding from wounds have always been required to leave the field of play until the bleeding has stopped. Players are not allowed to wear blood stained clothing, as this constitutes continuing danger to participants.
7. The FA is concerned over the increasing practice of players surrounding referees to challenge decisions. This brings the game into disrepute. The cooperation of all stakeholders is encouraged to challenge this indiscipline.
8. Finally, a reminder is given that it is a decision of the Council of The Football Association that instructions regarding the Laws of the Game will be given only by The Football Association. No other Association or League is permitted to do so.
Brian Barwick
Chief Executive
May 2006
TO THE MEMBERS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1033
Zurich, 25 April
2006
GS/sde
Amendments to the Laws of the Game - 2006
The 2006 Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) took place in Lucerne, Switzerland on 04 March 2006. The amendments to the Laws of the Game made at the meeting and the various instructions and directives are listed below.
1. - AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME AND DECISIONS OF THE BOARD
Law 4 - The Players' Equipment
Basic Equipment
| Present
Text
The basic compulsory equipment of a player
is:
|
New
Text
The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items:
|
Reason
Adding"... the following separate items:" ensures that the basic equipment must consist of individual garments and therefore a player's jersey and shorts may not be joined together in any way.
Law 10 - The Method of Scoring
Competition Rules
| Present
Text
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
|
New
Text
When competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match or home-and-away tie has been drawn, only the following procedures, which have been approved by the International F.A. Board, are permitted
|
Law 12- Fouls and Misconduct
Cautionable Offences
| Present Text
A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following seven offences: 1. is guilty of unsporting behaviour
|
New Text
A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following seven offences: 1. is guilty of unsporting behaviour A substitute or substituted player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following three offences: 1. is guilty of unsporting
behaviour
|
Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Sending-Off Offence
| Present
Text
A player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following seven offences: 1. is guilty of serious foul play A player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area |
New
text
A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following seven offences: 1. is guilty of serious foul
play 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 |
Law14 - The Penalty Kick
Infringements/Sanctions
|
Present Text 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:
Reason To be consistent with the other infringements. Present Text A team-mate of the player taking the kick enters the penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.15 m (10 yds) of the penalty mark:
Reason To be consistent with the other infringements. Bullet point 4 covered by bullet point 3 |
New
Text
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:
A team-mate of the player taking the kick infringes the Laws of the Game:
|
| Present
Text
A team-mate of the goalkeeper enters the penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.15 m (10yds) of the penalty mark:
Reason To be consistent with the other infringements. |
New Text A team-mate of the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game:
|
Law 17 - The Corner Kick
Procedure
Bullet point three
Present
Text
Reason To be consistent with Law 1. |
New
text
|
2. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFEREES, ASSISTANT REFEREES AND FOURTH OFFICIALS
Delaying the restart of play
New bullet point 6
| Present
Text
Referees must caution players who delay the restart of play by tactics such as:
|
New
text
Referees must caution players who delay the restart of play by tactics such as:
|
The IFAB agreed that the amendments made to the Laws of the Game should enter into force prior to the 2006 FIFA World Cup on 1st June, instead of on 1st July 2006. The instructions and directives are introduced with immediate effect.
Yours faithfully,
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE
DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Urs Linsi
General Secretary
| cc: | FIFA Executive Committee FIFA Referees' Committee Confederations |
2007/2008
The 121st Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) took place in Manchester, England on 03 March 2007. The amendments to the Laws of the Game made at the meeting and the various instructions and directives are listed below.
1. AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME AND DECISIONS OF THE BOARD
Law 1 – The Field of Play
IFAB Decision 4
Present Text
There shall be no advertising of any kind within the technical area or within one metre from the touchline 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.
New Text
There should be no advertising of any kind on the ground within the technical area or within one meter from the touchline. Further, no advertising shall be allowed in the area between the goal line and the goal nets.
Advice to Referees: The change is likely to affect only matches played at the highest competitive level where advertising is more commonly seen. One practical effect of the change is to allow advertising to be displayed on the shelters or canopies which may be used to cover the team benches.
Law 4 – The Players Equipment
Basic Equipment
Present Text
shorts – if thermal undershorts are worn, they are of the same main colour as the shorts.
New Text
a jersey or shirt – if undergarments are worn, the colour of the sleeve should be the same main
colour as the sleeve of the jersey or shirt.
shorts – if undershorts are worn, they are of the same main colour as the shorts.
Advice to Referees: The general purpose of this change is to ensure that the visible
colour of any portion of a garment worn underneath the jersey or shorts is consistent with the main
colour of the jersey or shorts. Accordingly, the referee need not be concerned about the
colour or any portion of an undergarment which cannot be seen.
Law 4 – The Players Equipment
Basic Equipment
IFAB Decision 1
Present Text
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 organizer.
Jerseys must have sleeves.
New Text
Players must not reveal undershirts that contain slogans or advertising. The basic compulsory equipment must not contain any political, religious or personal statements.
A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organizer. The team of a player whose basic compulsory equipment contains political, religious or personal slogans or statements will be sanctioned by the competition organizer or by FIFA.
Jerseys must have sleeves.
Advice to Referees: The focus of this change is on the commercial, political, religious or personal statement itself, not the method by which it is displayed. This includes wearing such statements directly on any part of the player uniform (normal manufacturer’s names and logos are excepted) or revealing such statements by removing any part of the uniform (whether the statement being revealed is on an undergarment or directly on the player’s skin). Referees are reminded that, although they do not have responsibility for sanctioning players who violate this restriction under ordinary circumstances, they must still include details of any violations in their match report and they continue to have the authority to sanction players if what is displayed involves abusive, insulting, or offensive language or images. Referees should consult prior memoranda and guidelines on the issue of jersey sleeves.
The Fourth Official
Present Text
The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue. He assists the referee at all times.
New Text
The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue, unless a reserve assistant referee is appointed. He assists the referee at all times.
A reserve assistant referee may be also be appointed under competition rules. His only duty shall be to replace an assistant referee who is unable to continue or to replace the fourth official, as required.
Advice to Referees: A competition authority may provide a more specific order of priority for a fourth official in a situation where an official is unable to continue (including the appointment of a reserve assistant referee). In the absence of such provisions, the fourth official may substitute for any of the three match officials.
Additional Instructions for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials
Celebration of a Goal
New Text
A player must be cautioned when: he covers his head or face with a mask or other similar item
Advice to Referees: This change in the Law is intended only to extend the existing provision that a player who removes the jersey or uses the jersey to cover the head as part of a goal celebration has committed misconduct and is to be cautioned.
These amendments to the Laws of the Game take effect as from July 1, 2007.
2008/2009
Circular no. 1145
Zurich, 22 May 2008
SG/sbu
Amendments to the Laws of the Game - 2008
Dear Sir or Madam,
The 122nd Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) took place in Scotland on 8 March 2008. The amendments to the Laws of the Game approved at this meeting and the various instructions and directives issued are listed below.
Amendments to the taws of the Game and Decisions of the Board
General revision
While the modification of Law 2 indicated below is the only amendment in the substance of the Laws of the Game this year, the overall wording and structure has been reviewed and revised in order to consolidate and reorganise the content for the sake of consistency, simplification and clarification. As part of this process, some of the Decisions of the International Football Association Board from the 2007/2008 edition of the Laws of the Game have now been either incorporated in the Law to which they were previously appended or otherwise added to the section previously known as Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees. For the 2008/2009 edition of the Laws of the Game, this section has been renamed "Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees" The reason for this change is to underline that, while the content of this section is intended to complement the Laws of the Game themselves, its application is indeed a compulsory requirement.
In addition, certain principles that were implicitly understood throughout the game but did not explicitly feature in the Laws of the Game have been added to the new edition for completeness, for example, Law 4 now expressly states that "The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and also the referee and the assistant referees".
Law 1 - The Field of Play
At a special meeting of the IFAB on 8 May 2008, it was ruled that the decision passed at the Annual General Meeting on 8 March to standardise the dimensions of the field of play for "A" international matches would not be implemented until the IFAB had reviewed the matter at next year's
123rd Annual General Meeting in Northern Ireland.
Law 2 -The Ball
Decisions of the International F.A. Board
Decision 1
| Current Text In competition matches, only footballs which meet the minimum technical requirements stipulated in Law 2 are permitted for use. In FIFA competition matches, and in competition matches organised under the auspices of the confederations, acceptance of a football for use is conditional upon the football bearing one of the following three designations:
Such a designation on a football indicates that it has been tested officially and found to be in compliance with specific technical requirements, different for each category and additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2. The list of the additional requirements specific to each of the respective categories must be approved by the International F.A. Board. The institutes conducting the tests are subject to the approval of FIFA. Member association competitions may also require the use of balls bearing any one of these three designations. In all other matches, the ball used must satisfy the requirements of Law 2. |
New
Text 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:
Such a logo on a ball indicates that it has been tested officially and found to be in compliance with specific technical requirements, different for each logo and additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2. The list of the additional requirements specific to each of the respective logos must be approved by the International F.A. Board. The institutes conducting the tests are subject to the approval of FIFA. Member association competitions may also require the use of balls bearing any one of these three logos. |
Dealing with injured players
In view of the differing practices applied in various competitions around the world by the team in possession when the ball remains in play after a player has been injured and the confusion that this can cause, the IFAB wishes to reiterate that Law 5 states that the referee has the power to stop the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured, but he may allow play to continue if the player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured.
Furthermore, the IFAB also calls for the football family to unite in denouncing simulation and working to eradicate this scourge from the game in order to assist the referee's identification of serious injuries and, more generally, to uphold the fundamental principles of fair play and preserve the integrity of the game.
Pitchside monitors
As a result of the increasing presence of monitors around the boundaries of the field of play for broadcasting purposes, the IFAB underlines that it is forbidden for occupants of the technical area to have access to or be in a position to view pitch-side monitors.
Goal line technology
The IFAB has decided that all experiments involving goal line technology are to be put on ice until further notice.
Additional assistant referees
The IFAB has granted FIFA permission to conduct an experiment with two additional assistant referees in a forthcoming tournament.
Implementation
The decisions of this year's Annual General Meeting of the Board regarding changes to the Laws of the Game are binding for confederations and member associations as from 1 July 2008 but confederations or member associations whose current season has not ended by 1 July may delay the introduction of the adopted alterations to the Laws of the Game in their competitions until the beginning of their next season.
2009/2010
TO THE MEMBERS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1187
Zurich, 12 May 2009
SG/est-ebr
Amendments to the laws of the Game - 2009-2010
Dear Sir or Madam,
The 123rd Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) took place in
Northern Ireland on 28 February 2009. The amendments to the Laws of the Game approved at this
meeting and the various instructions and directives issued are listed below.
Amendments to the Laws of the Game and Decisions of the Board
1. Law 1 - The Field of Play
Field Surface
| Current Text 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 Artificial Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA. |
New Text 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. |
2. law 11 - Offside
Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees
| Current Text When an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick to be taken from the position of the offending player when the ball was last played to him by one of his team mates. If a defending player steps behind his own goal
line in order to place an opponent in an offside position, the referee must allow play to
continue and caution the defender for deliberately leaving the fie ld of play without |
New Text When an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick to be taken from the position of the offending player when the ball was last played to him by one of his team mates. Any defending player leaving the field of play for any reason without the referee's permission shall be considered to be on his own goal line or touch line for the purposes of offside until the next stoppage in play. If the player leaves the field of play deliberately, he must be cautioned when the ball is next out of play. |
3. Procedures to Determine the Winner of a Match or Home-And-Away
Kicks from the Penalty Mark
| Current Text
If at the end of the match and before the kicks start to be taken from the penalty mark, one team has a greater number of players than their opponents, they must reduce their numbers to equate with that of their opponents and the team captain must inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded. |
New Text
If at the end of the match and before the kicks
start to be taken from the penalty mark, one team has a greater number of players than its
opponents, it must reduce its number to equate with that of its opponents and the Any player thus excluded may not participate in kicks from the penalty mark. |
4. The Technical Area
Current Text
|
New Text
|
Reminder to referees
Referees are reminded that Law 5 states that the referee must stop the match if, in his opinion,
a player is seriously injured.
Implementation
The decisions of this year's Annual General Meeting of the Board regarding changes to the Laws of the Game are binding for confederations and member associations as from 1 July 2009 but confederations or member associations whose current season has not ended by 1 July may delay the introduction of the adopted alterations to the Laws of the Game in their competitions until the beginning of their next season.
Other items Update from the FIFA website 28 Feb
2009
- FIFA withdrew its proposal to extend the maximum duration of the half-time interval
- the Board agreed that the proposal to increase the maximum number of substitutions in the event of extra time should be discussed by the relevant FIFA committees
- the IFAB agreed that its technical sub-committee will discuss the procedure that applies when players leave the field of play after treatment
- it was agreed that the concept of "Sin Bins" would not be pursued further
- Law 1 has been updated to reflected the change of designation to the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf
2010/2011
TO THE MEMBERS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1224
Zurich, 19 May 2010
SG/jot-est
Amendments to the laws of the Game - 2010-2011
Dear Sir or Madam,
The 124th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) took place in
Zurich on 6 March 2010. The amendments to the Laws of the Game approved at this meeting and the
various instructions and directives issued are listed below.
Amendments to
the Laws of the Game and Decisions of the Board
1.
Law 1 -- The Field of Play
(Submitted by FIFA)
Goals
| Present
Text: The goalposts and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. They may be square, rectangular, round or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous to players. |
New Text 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. |
Reason: The current definition has been clarified in order to indicate that goalposts of any other shape are not permitted.
2.
Law 5 – The Referee
(Submitted
by The Scottish Football Association)
Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees
Injured Players
|
Present Text Exceptions to this
ruling are to be made only when:
|
New Text Exceptions to this
ruling are to be made only when:
|
3.
Law 5 – The Referee
(Submitted
by The Scottish Football Association)
Interpretation
of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees
Injured
Players
|
Present Text
|
New Text
|
Reason: Stretcher-bearers’ mandatory entry onto the field of play for all injuries where a doctor is requested frequently caused unnecessary disruption of the game.
Other
decisions of the IFAB
1.
Law 1 – The Field of Play
Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees
Logos and emblems
The IFAB reiterated that 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, the goal nets and the areas they enclose, the goals, the flagposts and their flags during playing time.
Particular
emphasis was placed on the fact that such logos may not be reproduced on corner
flags.
2. Goal-line
technology
(continuation of discussions at
the 122nd Annual
General Meeting)
The use of goal-line technology and indeed technology in general within the game was rejected by majority decision.
3. Authoritative language for the Laws of the Game
It was confirmed that in the event of any divergence between translations of the Laws of the Game, the English text is authoritative.
4. Additional instructions to match officials
It has been noted that certain associations and confederations are unilaterally issuing their own instructions and recommendations to referees within their territories concerning the enforcement of the Laws of the Game, thus increasing the chance of differing interpretations around the world. We would like to reiterate that the International Football Association Board (or FIFA on its behalf) is the only body with the authority to issue such additional instructions concerning the Laws of the Game in order to ensure uniform application worldwide.
Moreover,
a special meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) took
place in
Amendments
to the Laws of the Game and Decisions of the Board
1.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick
(Submitted
by FIFA)
Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees
Procedure
|
Feinting to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football. However, if, in the opinion of the referee, the feinting is considered an act of unsporting behaviour, the player must be cautioned. |
New
Text Feinting in the run-up to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football. However, feinting to kick the ball once the player has completed his run-up is considered an infringement of Law 14 and an act of unsporting behaviour for which the player must be cautioned. |
Reason
In view of an increasing trend in players feinting to take a penalty kick to deceive the goalkeeper, it is necessary to clarify what is permitted and what action a referee must take in the event of an infringement
2.
The fourth official
(Submitted
by The Scottish Football Association)
The fourth official and the reserve assistant referee (bullet point 7)
|
Present Text He must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution or when violent conduct occurs out of the view of the referee and assistant referees. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play. |
New
Text
He assists the referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play. |
Reason
It is considered that the scope of the fourth official’s duty to assist the referee should be extended to allow him to offer support and advice not only in the limited number of situations under the existing Laws of the
Game.
Entry into force of Laws of the Game 2010/2011
The IFAB unanimously agreed that the decisions of the 124th IFAB Annual General Meeting and the special meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) would come into force on 1 June 2010 and therefore apply for the 2010 FIFA World
CupTM.
Yours faithfully,
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE
DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Jerome Valcke
Secretary General
CC: FIFA Executive Committee
FIFA Referees' Committee
Confederations
2011/2012
TO THE MEMBERS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1262
Zurich, 12 May 2011
SG/ftr-est
Amendments to the Laws of the Game - 2011/2012
Dear Sir or Madam,
The 125th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) took place in Wales on 5 March 2011 The amendments to the Laws of the Game approved at this meeting and the
various instructions and directives issued are listed below.
Amendments to the Laws of the Game and decisions of the Board
1. Law 1 - The Field of Play
(Submitted by FIFA)
a) Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees - Field markings
|
Present Text Only the lines indicated in Law 1 are to be marked on the field of play. |
New
Text
Only the lines indicated in Law 1 are to be marked on the field of play. |
Reason.
There is clearly a demand for football turf pitches to have markings for more
sports than just football. Considering that these lines cannot be removed from a
football turf pitch, it is problematic under the current Laws of the Game to
find a basis for allowing a competitive football match to take place on a
football turf pitch that is used for multiple sports.
b) Goals
|
Present Text
|
New
Text
The position of the goalposts in relation to the goal line must be according to the graphics below. |
If the shape of the goalposts is square (viewed from above), the sides must be parallel or perpendicular to the goal line. The sides of the crossbar must be parallel or perpendicular to the field plane.
If the shape of the goalposts is elliptical (viewed from above), the Iongest axis must be perpendicular to the goal line. The longest axis of the crossbar must be parallel to the field plane.
If the shape of the goalposts is rectangular (viewed from above), the longest side must be perpendicular to the goal line. The longest side of the crossbar must be parallel to the field plane.
Reason It is necessary to define the position of the goalposts in relation to the goal line in order to avoid inconsistencies between one field of play and another.
2. Law 2 - The Ball
(Submitted by FIFA)
Replacement of a defective ball
|
Present Text If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:
|
New
Text
If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:
If the ball bursts or becomes defective during a penalty kick or during kicks from the penalty mark as it moves forward and before it touches any player or the cross bar or goalposts:
|
Reason
It is considered unfair that if the ball bursts or becomes defective during a penalty
kick or during kicks from the penalty area, play is restarted with a dropped
ball in accordance with the present text of Law 2.
3. Law 3 - The Number of Players
(Submitted by FIFA)
a) Structural amendment
Present Structure Law 3
|
New
Structure Law 3
|
Reason
The text of Law 3 has been reorganised by the IFAB Technical Sub-Committee in order to have a
clearer structure of the Laws and to avoid current misinterpretations.
b) Addition to the current text of the Interpretation of the laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees - Extra persons on the field of play
|
Present Text Extra persons on the field of play
|
New
Text
Extra persons on the field of play |
Reason
There are some references to team officials in the Laws of the Game but no definition of the term. The
reorganisation of the text of Law 3 is a good opportunity to include a
definition of team officials for ease of understanding.
4. Law 4 - The Players' Equipment
(Submitted by the Football Association of Wales)
Basic equipment
|
Present Text shorts - if undershorts are worn, they must be of the same main colour as the shorts |
New
Text
shorts - if undershorts or tights are worn, they must be of the same main colour as the shorts
|
Reason
The current Law permits tights to be worn that are not of the same basic colour as the shorts, which
could possibly result in confusion for opponents and match officials. This change would ensure
consistency with the present wording that requires undershorts, if worn, to be of the same basic
colour as the shorts and prevent the aforementioned confusion.
5. Law 5 - The Referee
(Submitted by FIFA)
Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees - Powers and Duties
|
Present Text
|
New
Text
If an extra ball, other object or animal enters
the field of play during the match, the referee must stop the match only if it interferes with
play. Play must be restarted by a dropped ball from the position of the match ball 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. |
Reason
It is unclear in the current text of the Laws of the Game which decision the referee should take when
an object enters the pitch and interferes with play, and which decision the referee should take when
an object enters the pitch without interfering with play.
As this amendment was approved, the paragraph below has been deleted:
Law 2 - The Ball
Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees - Extra balls on the field of play
|
Present Text
|
New
Text
|
6. Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play
(Submitted by FIFA)
a) Structural amendment
Present Structure Law 8
|
New
Structure Law 8
|
Reason
A new organisation of the text of Law 8 has been prepared by the IFAB Technical Sub-Committee in
order to have a more clear structure of the Laws and avoid current misinterpretations.
b) Addition to the current text
|
Present Text 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.
|
New
Text
Definition of dropped ball A dropped ball is a method of restarting play when, 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. |
Reason
Following the general structure of the Laws of the Game of definition, procedure and infringements, it
is considered necessary to include a definition of a dropped ball.
Other decisions of the IFAB
1. Additional Assistant Referees (AARs)
a) Experiment status
The proposal to move the AAR's position from left to right and to allow the referee to return to his
"traditional" diagonal system should be approved, provided that any such change does not
commence until the start of a new season (e.g. 2011/2012 in Europe).
The AAR experiment will be permitted to continue until its planned conclusion, following which the IFAB will make a final decision.
b) Use of Additional Assistant Referees at UEFA EURO 2012
The IFAB unanimously agreed to grant UEFA permission to use AARs at the EURO 2012 final
tournament.
2. Goal-line technology (GL T)
The IFAB has agreed to the continuation of the GLT project. A final decision on GLT should be made
during the IFAB Special Meeting, which will be convened following the conclusion of UEFA EURO
2012.
3. Law 4 - The Players' Equipment
a) Other equipment: usage of radio communication
The IFB agreed that this item should be referred to the IFAB Task Force Football 2014 for
consideration.
b) Other equipment: wearing of "snoods"
The IFAB determined that items such as "snoods" and other similar clothing did not meet the
definition of "other equipment" under Law 4 and was therefore not permitted.
4. law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Sending-off offences
The IFAB agreed that the matter should be referred to the IFAB Task Force Football 2014 for
consideration.
5. Vanishing spray
The IFAB approved the use of vanishing spray by CONMEBOL on a trial basis.
Implementation
The decisions of this year's Annual General Meeting of the Board regarding changes to the Laws of the Game are binding for confederations and member associations as from 1 July 2011 but confederations or member associations whose current season has not ended by 1 July may delay the Introduction of the adopted alterations to the Laws of the Game in their competitions until the beginning of their next season.
Yours faithfully,
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE
DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Jerome Valcke
Secretary General
CC: FIFA Executive Committee
FIFA Referees' Committee
Confederations
Law Changes over the years
