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NOTE: SOURCE for this edition.

LAW I: THE FIELD OF PLAY
The Field of Play and appurtenances shall be as shown in the following plan:

[plan omitted]

1. Dimensions
The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 130 yards nor less than 100 yards and its breadth not more than 100 yards nor less than 50 yards (In International Matches the length shall be not more than 120 yards nor less than 110 yards and the breadth not more than 80 yards nor less than 70 yards). The length shall in all cases exceed the breadth.

2. Marking
The field of play shall be marked with distinctive lines, not more than 5 inches in width, not by a V-shaped rut, in accordance with the plan, the longer boundary lines being called the touch lines and the shorter the goal-lines. A flag on a post not less than 5 feet high and having a non-pointed top, shall be placed at each corner; a similar flag-post may be placed opposite the halfway-line on each side of the field of play, not less than 1 yard outside the touch-line. A halfway-line shall be marked out across the field of play. The centre of the field of play shall be indicated by a suitable mark and a circle with a 10 yards radius shall be marked round it.

3. The Goal-Area
At each end of the field of play two lines shall be drawn at right-angles to the goal-line, 6 yards from each goal-post. These shall extend into the field of play for a distance of 6 yards and shall be joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal-line. Each of the spaces enclosed by these lines and the goal-line shall be called a goal-area.

4. The Penalty-Area
At each end of the field of play two lines shall be drawn at right-angles to the goal-line, 18 yards from each goal-post. These shall extend into the field of play for a distance of 18 yards and shall be joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal-line. Each of the spaces enclosed by these lines and the goal-line shall be called a penalty-area. A suitable mark shall be made within each penalty area, 12 yards from the mid-point of the goal-line, measured along an undrawn line at right angles thereto. These shall be the penalty-kick marks. From each penalty-kick mark an arc of a circle, having a radius of 10 yards, shall be drawn outside the penalty-area.

5. The Corner-Area
From each corner-flag post a quarter circle, having a radius of 1 yard, shall be drawn inside the field of play.

6. The Goals
The goals shall be placed on the centre of each goal line and shall consist of two upright posts, equidistant from the corner-flags and 8 yards apart (inside measurement), joined by a horizontal cross-bar the lower edge of which shall be 8 ft. from the ground. The width and depth of the goal-posts and the width and depth of the crossbars shall not exceed 5 inches (12 cm). The goal-posts and the cross-bars shall have the same width.

Nets may be attached to the posts, cross-bars and ground behind the goals. They should be appropriately supported and be so placed as to allow the goalkeeper ample room.

1
In International matches the dimensions of the field of play shall be: maximum 110 metres x 75 metres; minimum 100 metres x 64 metres.

2
National Associations must adhere strictly to these dimensions. Each National Association organising an International Match must advise the Visiting Association, before the match, of the place and the dimensions of the field of play.

3
The Board has approved this table of measurements for the Laws of the Game.

[table of metric equivalents omitted]

4
The goal-line shall be marked the same width as the depth of the goal-posts and the cross-bar so that the goal- line and the goal-posts will conform to the same interior and exterior edges.

5
The 6 yards (for the outline of the goal-area) and the 18 yards (for the outline of the penalty-area) which have to be measured along the goal-line, must start from the inner sides of the goal-posts.

6
The space within the inside areas of the field of play includes the width of the lines marking these areas.

7
All Associations shall provide standard equipment, particularly in International Matches, when the Laws of the Game must be complied with in every respect and especially with regard to the size of the ball and other equipment which must conform to the regulations. All cases of failure to provide standard equipment must be reported to F.I.F.A.

8
In a match played under the rules of a competition if the cross-bar becomes displaced or broken play shall be stopped and the match abandoned unless the cros-bar has been repaired and replaced in position or a new one provided without such being a danger to the players. A rope is not considered to be a satisfactory substitute for a cross-bar.

In a friendly match, by mutual consent, play may be resumed without the cross-bar provided it has been removed and no longer constitutes a danger to the players. In these circumstances, a rope may be used as a substitute for a cross-bar. If a rope is not used and the ball crosses the goal-line at a point which in the opinion of the Referee is below where the cross-bar should have been he shall award a goal.

The game shall be restarted by the Referee dropping the ball at the place where it was when play was stopped.

9
National Associations may specify such maximum and minimum dimensions for the cross-bars and goal-posts, within the limits laid down in Law 1, as they consider appropriate.

10
Goal-posts and cross-bars must be made of wood, metal or other approved material as decided from time to time by the International F.A. Board. They may be square, rectangular, round, half round, or elliptical in shape. Goal-posts and cross-bars made of other materials and in other shapes are not permitted.

11
"Curtain-raisers" to International matches should only be played following agreement on the day of the match, and taking into account the condition of the field of play, between representatives of the two Associations and the referee (of the International match).

12
National Associations, particularly in International Matches, should restrict the number of photographers and have a line marked at least 2 metres and not more than 10 metres from the goal-lines and a similar distance from the angle formed by the goal-line with the touchlines; they should prohibit photographers from passing over these lines and finally forbid the use of artificial lighting in the form of "flashlights".

LAW II: THE BALL
The ball shall be spherical; the outer casing shall be of leather or other approved materials. No material shall be used in its construction which might prove dangerous to the players.

The circumference of the ball shall not be more than 28 inches and not less than 27 inches. The weight of the ball at the start of the game shall not be more than 16 oz. nor less than 14 oz. The pressure shall be equal to atmospheric pressure (15 lb. per sq. in., i.e., 1 kg. per sq. cm.) at sea level. The ball shall not be changed during the game unless authorised by the Referee.

1
The ball used in any match shall be considered the property of the Association or Club on whose ground the match is played, and at the close of play it must be returned to the referee.

2
The International Board, from time to time, shall decide what constitutes approved materials. Any approved material shall be certified as such by the International Board.

3
The Board has approved these equivalents of the weights specified in the Law: 14 to 16 ounces = 396 to 453 grammes.

4
If the ball bursts or becomes deflated during the course of a match the game shall be stopped and restarted by dropping the new ball at the place where the first ball became defective.

5
If this happens during a stoppage of the game (place-kick, goal-kick, corner-kick, free-kick, penalty-kick or throw-in) the game shall be restarted accordingly.

LAW III: NUMBER OF PLAYERS
(1) A game shall be played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven players, one of whom shall be the goalkeeeper.

(2) Substitutes, up to a maximum of two per team, are permitted in a friendly match and also, provided that the authority of the International Association(s) or National Association(s) concerned has been obtained in a match played under the rules of a competition. The Referee shall be informed of the names of substitutes (if any) before the start of the match

(3) One of the other players, or a named substitute (if allowed) may change places with the goalkeeper,, provided that notice is given to the referee before the change is made.

PUNISHMENT: If, without the Referee being notified, a player or a named substitute, changes places with the goalkeeper during the game, at the half-time interval, or at any other interval in a game in which extra time is played, and then handles the ball within the penalty area, a penalty kick shall be awarded.

1
The minimum numbers of players in a team is left to the discretion of National Associations.

2
The Board is of the opinion that a match should not be considered valid if there are fewer than seven players in either of the teams.

3
Before the start of a match the Referee shall be informed of the names of any possible substitutes up to a maximum of live from whom the two substitutes may be chosen. The number of substitutes who may be named shall be determined by the International Association(s) or National Association(s) concerned.

4
A player who has been ordered off before play begins may only be replaced by one of the named substitutes. The kick-off must not be delayed to allow the substitute to join his team.

A player who has been ordered off after play has started may not be replaced. A named substitute who has been ordered off, either before, or after play has started, may not be replaced (This decision only relates to players who are ordered off under Law 12. It does not apply to players who have infringed Law 4).

5
A player who has been replaced shall not take any further part in the game.

6
The Referee must be informed if a player is to be substituted. A substitute may only be permitted to enter the field of play during a stoppage in the game and after he has received a signal from the Referee authorising him to do so.

7
A substitute shall be deemed to be a player and shall be subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the Referee whether called upon to play or not.

LAW IV: PLAYERS' EQUIPMENT
A player shall not wear anything which is dangerous to another player. Boots must conform to the following standard:

(a) Bars shall be made of leather or rubber and shall be transverse and flat, not less than half an inch in width and shall extend the total width of the boot and be rounded at the corners.

(b) Studs shall be made of leather, rubber, aluminium, plastic or similar material and shall be solid and not less than half an inch in diameter. With the exception of that part of the stud forming the base, which shall not protrude from the sole, more than one quarter of an inch, studs shall be round in plan. Where studs are tapered, the minimum diameter of any section of the stud must not be less than half an inch. Where metal seating for the screw type is used, this seating must be embedded in the sole of the boot and any attachment screw shall be part of the stud. Other than the metal seating for the screw type of stud, no metal plates even though covered with leather or rubber shall be worn, neither studs which are threaded to allow them to be screwed on to a base screw that is fixed by nails or otherwise to the soles of boots.

(c) Combined bars and studs may be worn, provided the whole conforms to the general requirements of this law. Neither bars nor studs on the soles or heels shall project more than three-quarters-of-an-inch. If nails are used they shall be driven in flush with the surface.

(N.B. The usual equipment of a player consists of a jersey or shirt, shorts, stockings and boots. A goalkeeper shall wear colours which dis- tinguish him from the other players.)

PUNISHMENT. For any infringement of this Law, the player at fault shall be sent off the field of play to adjust his equipment and he shall not return without first reporting to the Referee, who shall satisfy himself that the player’s equipment is in order; the player shall only re-enter the game at a moment when the ball has ceased to be in play.

1
In International Matches the jerseys of the goal-keepers shall be distinct from the colours of the other players taking part in the game.

2
The Law does not insist that football boots must be worn, but the Board is of opinion that, in competition matches, referees should not allow one or a few players to play without wearing football boots, when all the other players do wear them.

3
In International Matches, International Competitions and friendly matches between clubs of different National Associations, the referee, prior to the start of the game, shall inspect the players’ boots and prevent any player whose boots do not conform to the requirements of Law IV from playing until they comply with the Law. Leagues and Competitions may include a similar provision in their rules.

4
If the referee finds that a player is wearing articles not permitted by the Laws and which may constitute a danger to other players, he shall order him to take them off. If he fails to carry out the referee's instruction, the player shall not take part in the match.

5
A player who has been prevented from taking part in the game or a player who has been sent off the field for infringing Law IV must report to the Referee during a stoppage of the game and may not enter or re-enter the field of play unless and until the Referee has satisfied himself that the player is no longer infringing Law IV.

6
If a player has been prevented from taking part in a game or has been sent off, because of an infringement of Law IV, and enters or re-enters the field of play to join or re-join his team in breach of the conditions of Decision No. 5 the Referee shall stop the game, unless by doing so the offending team would gain an advantage. The player shall be cautioned and if the game has been stopped to administer the caution it will be restarted by the Referee dropping the ball at the place where the infringement occurred.

LAW V: REFEREES
A Referee shall be appointed to officiate in each game. He shall:

(a) Enforce the Laws and decide any disputed point. His decision on points of fact connected with the play shall be final so far as the result of the game is concerned. His jurisdiction begins from the time he signals for the kick-off, and his power of penalising shall extend to offences committed when play has been temporarily suspended or when the ball is out of play. He shall, however, refrain from penalising in cases where he is satisfied that by doing so he would be giving an advantage to the offending team.

(b) Keep a record of the game; act as timekeeper, allow the full or agreed time, adding thereto all time lost through accident or other cause.

(c) Have discretionary power to stop the game for any infringement of the Laws and to suspend or terminate the game whenever, by reasons of the elements, interference by spectators, or other cause, he deems such stoppage necessary. In such a case he shall submit a detailed report to the National or Affiliated Association under whose jurisdiction the game was played, within two days (Sundays not included). Reports will be deemed to be made when received in the ordinary course of post.

(d) Have discretionary power, from the time he enters the field of play, to caution any player guilty of misconduct or ungentlemanly behaviour and, if he persists, to suspend him from further participation in the game. In such cases the Referee shall send the name of the offender to the National or Affiliated Association concerned, within two days (Sundays not included). Reports will be deemed to be made when received in the ordinary course of post.

(e) Allow no person other than the players and linesmen to enter the field of play without his permission.

(f) Stop the game if, in his opinion, a player has been seriously injured; have the player removed as soon as possible from the field of play, and immediately resume the game. If a player is slightly injured, the game shall not be stopped until the ball has ceased to be in play. A player who is able to go to the touch- or goal-line for attention of any kind, shall not be treated on the field of play.

(g) Have discretionary power to suspend from further participation in the game, without previous caution, a player guilty of violent conduct.

(h) Signal for recommencement of the game after all stoppages.

(i) Decide that the ball provided for a match meets with the requirements of Law 2.

1
Referees in International Matches shall wear a blazer or blouse the colour of which is distinctive from the colours worn by the contesting teams.

2
Referees for International Matches will be selected from a neutral country unless the countries concerned agree to appoint their own officials.

3
The Referee must be chosen from the official list of International Referees. This need not apply to Amateur and Youth International matches.

4
The authority of the Referee, and the exercise of the powers granted to him by the Laws of the Game, commence as soon as he enters the field of play, and consequently any players, or named substitutes, at fault may be sent off the field before the game has actually commenced. The Referee shall report to the appropriate authority misconduct or any misdemeanour on the part of spectators, officials, players, named substitutes or other persons which takes place either on the field of play or in its vicinity at any time prior to, during, or after the match in question so that appropriate action can be taken by the Authority concerned.

5
Linesmen are assistants of the Referee. In no case shall the Referee consider the intervention of a Linesman if he himself has seen the incident and from his position on the field, is better able to judge. With this reserve, and the Linesman neutral, the Referee can consider the intervention and if the information of the Linesman applies to that phase of the game immediately before the scoring of a goal, the Referee may act thereon and cancel the goal.

6
The Referee, however, can only reverse his first decision so long as the game has not been restarted.

7
If the Referee has decided to apply the advantage clause and to let the game proceed, he cannot revoke his decision if the presumed advantage has not been realised, even though he has not, by any gesture, indicated his decision. This does not exempt the offending player from being dealt with by the Referee.

8
The Laws of the Game are intended to provide that games should be played with as little interference as possible, and in this view it is the duty of Referees to penalise only deliberate breaches of the Law. Constant whistling for trifling and doubtful breaches produces bad feeling and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the pleasure of spectators.

9
By para, (c) of Law 5 the Referee is empowered to terminate a match in the event of grave disorder, but he has no power or right to decide, in such event, that either team is disqualified and thereby the loser of the match. He must send a detailed report to the proper authority who alone has power to deal further with this matter.

10
If a player commits two infringements of a different nature at the same time, the Referee shall punish the more serious offence.

11
It is the duty of the Referee to act upon the information of neutral Linesmen with regard to incidents that do not come under the personal notice of the Referee.

12
The referee must not allow trainers or any other persons to enter the field of play while the game is in progress unless they receive a signal from him to do so; he must also prevent coaching by trainers and club officials from the boundary lines.

LAW VI: LINESMEN
Two linesmen shall be appointed, whose duty (subject to the decision of the Referee) shall be to indicate when the ball is out of play and which side is entitled to the corner-kick, goal-kick, or throw-in. They shall also assist the Referee to control the game in accordance with the Laws. In the event of undue interference or improper conduct by a Linesman, the Referee shall dispense with his services and arrange for a substitute to be appointed (The matter shall be reported by the Referee to the competent authority). The Linesmen should be equipped with flags by the Club on whose ground the match is played.

1
Linesmen where neutral shall draw the Referee’s attention to any breach of the Laws of the Game of which they become aware if they consider that the Referee may not have seen it, but the Referee shall always be the judge of the decision to be taken.

2
National Associations are advised to appoint official Referees of neutral nationality to act as Linesmen in International Matches.

3
In International Matches, Linesmens’ flags shall be of a vivid colour — bright reds and yellows. Such flags are recommended for use in all other matches.

4
A Linesman may be subject to disciplinary action only upon a report of the Referee for unjustified interference or insufficient assistance.

LAW VII: THE DURATION OF THE GAME
The duration of the game shall be two equal periods of 45 minutes, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, subject to the following:-

(a) Allowance shall be made in either period for all time lost through accident or other cause, the amount of which shall be a matter for the discretion of the Referee.

(b) Time shall be extended to permit of a penalty kick being taken at or after the expiration of the normal period in either half.

At half-time the interval shall not exceed five minutes except by consent of the Referee.

1
If a match has been stopped by the Referee, before the completion of the time specified in the rules, for any reason stated in Law 5 it must be replayed in full unless the rules of the competition concerned provide for the result of the match at the time of such stoppage to stand.

2
Players have a right to an interval at half-time.

LAW VIII: THE START OF PLAY
At the beginning of the game, choice of ends and the kick-of shall be decided by the toss of a coin. The team winning the toss shall have the option of choice of ends or the kick-off.

The Referee, having given a signal, the game shall be started by a player taking a place-kick (i.e., a kick at the ball while it is stationary on the ground in the centre of the field of play) into his opponents' half of the field of play. Every player shall be in his own half of the field and every player of the team opposing that of the kicker shall remain not less than 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked-off; it shall not be deemed in play until it has travelled the distance of its own circumference. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player.

(b) After a goal has been scored, the game shall be restarted in like manner by a player of the team losing the goal.

(c) After half-time; when restarting after half-time, ends shall be changed and the kick-off shall be taken by a player of the opposite team to that of the player who started the game.

PUNISHMENT. For any infringement of this Law, the kick-off shall be retaken, except in the case of the kicker playing the ball again before it has been touched or played by another player; for this offence, an indirect free-kick shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred. A goal shall not be scored direct from a kick-off.

(d) After any other temporary suspension; when restarting the game after a temporary suspension of play from any cause not mentioned elsewhere in these Laws, provided that immediately prior to the suspension the ball has not passed over the touch- or goal-lines, the Referee shall drop the ball at the place where it was when play was suspended and it shall be deemed in play when it has touched the ground; if, however, it goes over the touch- or goal-lines after it has been dropped by the Referee, but before it is touched by a player, the Referee shall again drop it. A player shall not play the ball until it has touched the ground. If this section of the Law is not complied with the Referee shall again drop the ball.

1
If, when the Referee drops the ball, a player infringes any of the Laws before the ball has touched the ground, the player concerned shall be cautioned or sent off the field according to the seriousness of the offence, but a free-kick cannot be awarded to the opposing team because the ball was not in play at the time of the offence. The ball shall therefore be again dropped by the Referee.

2
Kicking-off by persons other than the players competing in a match is prohibited.]

LAW IX: BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
The ball is out of play : —

(a) When it has wholly crossed the goal-line or touch-line, whether on the ground or in the air.

(b) When the game has been stopped by the Referee.

The ball is in play at all other times from the start of the match to the finish including:—

(a) If it rebounds from a goal-post, cross-bar or corner-flag post into the field of play.

(b) If it rebounds off either the Referee or Linesmen when they are in the field of play.

(c) In the event of a supposed infringement of the Laws, until a decision is given.

1
The lines belong to the areas of which they are the boundaries. In consequence, the touch-lines and the goal-lines belong to the field of play.

LAW X: METHOD OF SCORING
Except as otherwise provided by these Laws, a goal is scored when the whole of the ball has passed over the goal-line between the goal-posts and under the cross-bar, provided it has not been thrown, carried or propelled by hand or arm, by a player of the attacking side, except in the case of a goal-keeper, who is within his own penalty area.

The team scoring the greater number of goals during a game shall be the winner; if no goals or an equal number of goals are scored the game shall be termed a "draw."

1
Law 10 defines the only method according to which a match is won or drawn; no variation whatsoever can be authorised.

2
A goal cannot in any case be allowed if the ball has been prevented by some outside agency from passing over the goal-line. If this happens in the normal course of play, other than at the taking of a penalty-kick, the game must be stopped and restarted by the referee dropping the ball at the place where the ball came into contact with the interference.

3
If the ball is going into goal, but before it passes wholly over the goal-line, a spectator enters the field and tries to prevent the goal but fails to make contact with the ball which then goes into goal, the Referee shall allow the goal.

LAW XI: OFF-SIDE
A player is off-side if he is nearer his opponents’ goal-line than the ball at the moment the ball is played unless:—

(a) He is in his own half of the field of play.

(b) There are two of his opponents near[er] to their own goal-line than he is.

(c) The ball last touched an opponent or was last played by him.

(d) He receives the ball direct from a goal-kick, a corner-kick, a throw-in, or when it was dropped by the Referee.

PUNISHMENT. For an infringement of this Law, an indirect free-kick shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred.

A player in an off-side position shall not be penalised unless, in the opinion of the Referee. he is interfering with the play or with an opponent, or is seeking to gain an advantage by being in an off-side position.

1
Off-side shall not be judged at the moment the player in question receives the ball, but at the moment when the ball is passed to him by one of his own side. A player who is not in an off-side position when one of his colleagues passes the ball to him or takes a free-kick, does not therefore become off-side if he goes forward during the flight of the ball.

Direct free-kick / penalty [ed.]
A player who intentionally commits any of the following nine offences

(a) Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent;

(b) Trips an opponent, i.e., throwing or attempting to throw him by the use of the legs or by stooping in front of or behind him;

(c) Jumps at an opponent;

(d) Charges an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner;

(e) Charges an opponent from behind unless the latter be obstructing;

(f) Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent;

(g) Holds an opponent with his hand or any part of his arm;

(h) Pushes an opponent with his hand or any part or his arm;

(i) Handles the ball, i.e., carries, strikes or propels the ball with his hand or arm. (This does not apply to the goalkeeper within his own penalty-area);

shall be penalised by the award of a direct free-kick to be taken by the opposing side from the place where the offence occurred.

Should a player of the defending side intentionally commit one of the above nine offences within the penalty- area he shall be penalised by a penalty-kick.

A penalty-kick can be awarded irrespective of the position of the ball, if in play, at the time an offence within the penalty-area is committed.

Indirect free-kick [ed.]
A player committing any of the five following offences :

1. Playing in a manner considered by the Referee to be dangerous, e.g,, attempting to kick the ball while held by the goalkeeper;

2. Charging fairly, i.e., with the shoulder, when the ball is not within playing distance of the players concerned and they are definitely not trying to play it:

3. When not playing the ball, intentionally obstructing an opponent, i.e., running between the opponent and the ball, or interposing the body so as to form an obstacle to an opponent;

4. Charging the golkeeper except when he

(a) is holding the ball;

(b) is obstructing an opponent:

(c) has passed outside his goal-area:

5. When playing as goalkeeper

(a) takes more than 4 steps whilst holding, bouncing or throwing the ball in the air and catching it again without releasing it so that it is played by another player, or

(b) indulges in tactics which, in the opinion of the Referee, are designed merely to hold up the game and thus waste time and so give an unfair advantage to his own team

shall be penalised by the award of an indirect free kick to be taken by the opposing side from the place where the infringement occurred.

Cautioned [ed.]
A player shall be cautioned if:—

(j) he enters the field of play to join or rejoin his team after the game has commenced without first having received a signal from the Referee showing him that he is in order to do so. If the game has been stopped (to administer the caution) it shall be restarted by the Referee dropping the ball at the place where the infringement occurred, but if the player has committed a more serious offence he shall be penalised according to that section of the Law infringed;

(k) he persistently infringes the Law of the Game;

(l) he shows by word or action, dissent from any decision given by the Referee;

(m) he is guilty of ungentlemanly conduct.

For any of these last three offences, in addition to the caution, an indirect free-kick shall also be awarded to the opposing side from the place where the offence occurred.

Sent off [ed.]
A player shall be sent off the field of play if:-

(n) in the opinion of the Referee, he is guilty of violent conduct or serious foul play;

(o) he uses foul or abusive language;

(p) he persists in misconduct after having received a caution.

If play be stopped by reason of a player being ordered from the field for an offence without a separate breach of the Law having been committed, the game shall be resumed by an indirect free-kick awarded to the opposing side from the place where the infringement occurred.

1
If the goalkeeper either intentionally strikes an opponent by throwing the ball vigorously at him, or pushes him with the ball while holding it, the Referee shall award a penalty-kick, if the offence took place within the penalty-area.

2
If a player deliberately turns his back to an opponent when he is about to be tackled, he may be charged but not in a dangerous manner.

3
In case of body-contact in the goal-area between an attacking player and the opposing goalkeeper not in possession of the ball, the Referee, as sole judge of intention, shall stop the game if, in his opinion, the action of the attacking player was intentional, and award an indirect free-kick.

4
If a player leans on the shoulders of another player of his own team in front of him in order to head the ball, which he succeeds in doing, the Referee shall stop the game, caution the player for ungentlemanly conduct and award an indirect free-kick to the opposing side.

5
A player’s obligation when joining or rejoining his team after the start of the match to 'report to the referee' must be interpreted as meaning 'to draw the attention of the referee from the touch-line.' The signal from the referee shall be made by a definite gesture which makes the player understand that he may come into the field of play; it is not necessary for the referee to wait until the game is stopped (This does not apply in respect of an infringement of Law IV), but the referee is the sole judge of the moment in which he gives his signal of acknowledgement.

6
If play is stopped in order to caution a player who infringes Law 12(j) the game must be restarted by the Referee dropping the ball at the place where the infringement occurred and not at the place where the ball was at the moment of the stoppage. In this respect, the letter and spirit of Law 12 do not oblige the Referee to stop the game to administer the caution, but that he can always apply the advantage clause.

7
If a player covers up the ball without touching it in an endeavour not to have it played by an opponent, he obstructs but does not infringe Law 12, para, 3. because he is already in possession of the ball and covers it for tactical reasons whilst the ball remains within playing distance. In fact he is actually playing the ball and does not commit an infringement; in this case, the player may be charged because he is in fact playing the ball.

8
If a player intentionally stretches his arms to obstruct an opponent and steps from one side to the other, moving his arms up and down to delay his opponent, forcing him to change course, but does not make "bodily contact" the Referee shall caution the player for ungentlemanly conduct and award an indirect free-kick.

9
If after a Referee has awarded a free-kick a player protests violently by using abusive or foul language and is sent off the field, the free kick should not be taken until the player has left the field.

10
If, during the half-time interval, a player strikes an opponent or behaves in an ungentlemanly manner towards the Referee, he shall be debarred from taking any further part in the match, and shall not be replaced.

11
If two players of opposing sides should be outside the boundary of the field of play and one intentionally trips or strikes, the other, the ball being still in play, the Referee shall stop the game and caution or send off the guilty player according to Law 12. The game shall be restarted by the Referee dropping the ball, in conformity with Law 8, at the place where it was in play at the moment the game was stopped.

12
If in the opinion of the Referee a goalkeeper intentionally lies on the ball longer than is necessary, he shall be penalised for ungentlemanly conduct and

(a) be cautioned, and an indirect free-kick awarded to the opposing team;

(b) In case of repetition of the offence, be sent off the field.

13
Any player leaving the field during the progress of the game (except through accident) without the consent of the Referee, shall be deemed guilty of ungentlemanly conduct and shall be dealt with accordingly.

14
The offence of spitting at opponents, officials, or other persons, or similar unseemly behaviour, shall be considered as violent conduct within the meaning of section (n) of Law XII.

LAW XIII: FREE KICK
Free-kicks shall be classified under two heads; "Direct" (from which a goal can be scored direct against the offending side), and "Indirect" (from which a goal cannot be scored unless the ball has been played or touched by a player other than the kicker before passing through the goal).

When a player is taking a direct or an indirect free-kick inside his own penalty-area, all of the opposing players shall remain outside the area, and shall be at least ten yards from the ball whilst the kick is being taken. The ball shall be in play immediately it has travelled the distance of its own circumference and is beyond the penalty-area. The goalkeeper shall not receive the ball into his hands, in order that he may thereafter kick it into play. If the ball is not kicked direct into play, beyond the penalty-area, the kick shall be retaken.

When a player is taking a direct or an indirect free-kick outside his own penalty area, all of the opposing players shall be at least ten yards from the ball, until it is in play, unless they are standing on their own goal-line, between the goal-posts. The ball shall be in play when it has travelled the distance of its own circumference.

If a player of the opposing side encroaches into the penalty-area, or within ten yards of the ball, as the case may be, before a free-kick is taken, the Referee shall delay the taking of the kick, until the Law is complied with.

The ball must be stationary when a free-kick is taken, and the kicker shall not play the ball a second time, until it has been touched or played by another player.

PUNISHMENT. If the kicker after taking the free-kick, plays the ball a second time before it has been touched or played by another player an indirect free-kick shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from the spot where the infringement occurred.

1
When the Referee awards an indirect free-kick he shall signal it by raising his arm and this signal must precede the blowing of the whistle for the free-kick to be taken; no signal is required in the case of a direct free- kick.

2
Players who do not retire to the proper distance when a free-kick is taken must be cautioned and on any repetition be ordered off. It is particularly requested of Referees that attempts to delay the taking of a free-kick by encroaching should be treated as serious misconduct.

3
If, when a free-kick is being taken, any of the players dance about or gesticulate in a way calculated to distract their opponents, it shall be deemed ungentlemanly conduct for which the offender(s) shall be cautioned.

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 player taking the kick, and the opposing goalkeeper, shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty- area, and at least 10 yards from the penalty-mark. The opposing goalkeeper must stand (without moving his feet) on his own goal-line, between the goal-posts, until the ball is kicked. The player taking the kick must kick the ball forward; he shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. The ball shall be deemed in play directly it is kicked, i.e., travelled the distance of its circumference, and a goal may be scored direct from such a penalty-kick. If the ball touches the goalkeeper before passing between the posts, when a penalty-kick is being taken at or after the expiration of half-time or full-time, it does not nullify a goal. If necessary, time of play shall be extended at half-time or full-time to allow a penalty-kick to be taken.

PUNISHMENT. Punishment. For any infringement of this Law:

(a) by the defending team, the kick shall be retaken if a goal has not resulted;

(b) by the attacking team other than by the player taking the kick, if a goal is scored it shall be disallowed and the kick retaken.

(c) by the player taking the penalty kick, committed after the ball is in play, a player of the opposing team shall take an indirect free kick from the spot where the infringement occurred.

1
When a penalty-kick is being taken the Referee must not give the signal for the restart until the players have taken up the position ordered by the Law.

2
If, after having given the signal, the Referee sees that the goalkeeper is not in his right place on the goal-line, he must not blow his whistle for the offence by the goalkeeper, but await the result of the penalty-kick. The proper position of the goalkeeper is on the goal-line between the goal-posts. If the goalkeeper moves his feet after the blowing of the whistle but before the penalty-kick is taken and no goal is scored, the penalty-kick must be retaken.

3
If a player of the defending side encroaches into the penalty area or within ten yards of the penalty mark before the ball has been kicked the Referee will not intervene. If a goal has been scored it shall be awarded.

4
If, when a penalty kick is being taken, the player taking the penalty kick is guilty of ungentlemanly conduct he shall be cautioned. If the kick has been taken and a goal has resulted it shall be retaken.

[old decision 5 deleted]

5
If a colleague of the player taking the penalty-kick, encroaches into the penalty-area or within 10 yards of the penalty-mark before the ball is in play, and the ball rebounds into play from the goal-posts, cross-bar or goalkeeper, the Referee shall stop the game and caution the player at fault. The game shall be restarted by an indirect free-kick.

6
If a player or players of each side encroach into the penalty-area or within 10 yards of the penalty-mark before the ball is in play, the penalty-kick must be retaken.

7
When a match is extended to allow a penalty-kick to be taken or retaken, the extension shall last until the moment that the penalty-kick has been completed, that is when:

(a) the ball goes direct into the goal. A goal is scored and the match ends the moment the ball passes wholly over the goal-line;

(b) the ball rebounds from either goal-post or cross-bar into goal. A goal is scored and the match ends the moment the ball passes wholly over the goal-line;

(c) the ball passes out of play outside the goal-posts or over the cross-bar. The match ends the moment the ball passes over the boundary of the field of play;

(d) the ball strikes a goal-post or the cross-bar and rebounds into play. The match is terminated at the moment the ball rebounds into play;

(e) the ball having been touched by the goalkeeper, enters the goal. A goal is scored and the match ends the moment the ball passes over the goal-line;

(f) the ball is clearly saved by the goalkeeper. The Referee should blow for "Time" at once. Should the goalkeeper by mischance, then drop the ball over his goal-line it is not a goal, for the game has ended;

(g) the ball is stopped in its course by an outside agent. The game should be further extended to allow the penalty kick to be taken properly;

(h) and in addition if any defending player infringes the Law and encroaches, play shall be extended for the penalty-kick to be retaken under the provisions of this Law.

8
If, when a penalty kick has been taken, the ball is stopped in its course, by an outside agent, the kick shall be retaken.

LAW XV: THROW-IN
When the whole of the ball passes over a touch-line, either on the ground or in the air, it shall be thrown in from the point where it crossed the line, in any direction, by a player of the team opposite to that of the player who last touched it. The thrower at the moment of delivering the ball must face the field of play and part of each foot shall be either on the touch-line or on the ground outside the touch-line. The thrower shall use both hands and shall deliver the ball from behind and over his head. The ball shall be in play immediately it enters the field of play, but the thrower shall not again play the ball until it has been touched or played by another player. A goal shall not be scored direct from a throw-in.

PUNISHMENT. (a) If the ball is improperly thrown in the throw-in shall be taken by a player of the opposing team.

(b) If the thrower plays the ball a second time before it has been touched or played by another player, an indirect free-kick shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred.

1
If a player taking a throw-in plays the ball a second time by handling it within the field of play before it has been touched or played by another player the Referee shall award a direct free-kick.

2
A player taking a throw-in must face the field of play with some part of his body.

3
If, when a throw-in is being taken, any of the opposing players dance about or gesticulate in a way calculated to distract or impede the thrower, it shall be deemed ungentlemanly conduct, for which the offender(s) shall be cautioned.

LAW XVI: GOAL-KICK
When the whole of the ball passes over the goal-line excluding that portion between the goal-posts, either in the air or on the ground, having last been played by one of the attacking team, it shall be kicked direct into play beyond the penalty-area from a point within that half of the goal-area nearest to where it crossed the line, by a player of the defending team. A goal-keeper shall not receive the ball into his hands from a goal-kick in order that he may thereafter kick it into play. If the ball is not kicked beyond the penalty-area, i,e,, direct into play, the kick shall be retaken. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has touched or been played by an- other player. A goal shall not be scored direct from such a kick. Players of the team opposing that of the player taking the goal-kick shall remain outside the penalty-area whilst the kick is being taken.

PUNISHMENT. If a player taking a goal-kick plays the ball a second time after it has passed beyond the penalty-area, but before it has touched or been played by another player, an indirect free-kick shall be awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

1
When a goal-kick has been taken and the player who has kicked the ball, touches it again before it has left the penalty-area, the kick has not been taken in accordance with the Law and must be retaken.

LAW XVII: CORNER-KICK
When the whole of the ball passes over the goal-line, excluding that portion between the goal posts, either in the air or on the ground, having last been played by one of the defending team, a member of the attacking team shall kick the ball from within the quarter circle at the nearest corner flag-post, which must not be moved, i.e., a corner-kick. A goal may be scored direct from such a kick. Players of the team opposing that of the player taking the corner-kick shall not approach within 10 yards of the ball until it is in play, i.e., it has travelled the distance of its own circumference, nor shall the kicker play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player.

PUNISHMENT. For an infringement of this Law, an indirect free-kick shall be awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.