QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME

QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME

NOVEMBER 1990
Official questions from National Associations.
Answers approved by the International Football Association Board.


FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FIFA)
President:	Dr. João Havelange (Brazil)
General Secretary:	Joseph S. Blatter (Switzerland)
Address:	FIFA House, 11 Hitzigweg 8030 Zurich, Switzerland Telephone: +41 (1) 384-9595 Telefax: +41 (1) 384-9696 Telex: 817-204 fifa ch
INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION BOARD (IFAB)
Members:	The Football Association The Scottish Football Association The Football Association of Wales Irish Football Association (1 vote each) Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) (4 votes)

Published by
Fédération Internationale de Football Association

This text may not be reproduced or translated in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of FIFA.

I. THE FIELD OF PLAY

If the cross-bar becomes displaced through breakage or faulty construction in a match played under the rules of a competition and there are no available means of repairing or replacing it, should the match be abandoned?
Yes. The cross-bar may not be substituted by a rope in order to finish the match.
ls it necessary for flags to be placed at the half-way line?
No, such flags are optional.
Is it permissible to mark the field of play with dotted or broken lines?
Dotted or broken lines are not in accordance with Law I and must therefore not be used for marking the field of play.
For a corner-kick, is it permitted to mark the nearest distance which must be kept by players of the opposing team?
Yes, if it is marked outside the field of play, at right angles and at a specific distance from the goal-line and touch-line respectively and at 9.15 m (10 yards) from the edge of the quarter circle.
If a goalkeeper draws unauthorised marks on the field of play with his foot, what action should the referee take?
If the referee notices this being done during the match, he need not interrupt the game just to caution the player who is making unauthorised marks on the field of play after the match has been started. The player concerned must be cautioned fur ungentlemanly conduct when there is an interruption in the game. If however the referee notices this before the match starts, then he shall caution the offending player immediately.
The text of the Laws of the Game states: "Nets may be attached". Does this mean that the use of nets is optional?
Yes. The Law implies it is optional, but it is advisable to attach nets, since a National Association or a competition may enforce it.
Is the area enclosed by the goal-line and the goal nets to be considered as part of the field of play?
No.

II. THE BALL

After a corner-kick has been taken, the ball is caught by an outside agent on the goal-line, without any player having previously played it. Should the corner-kick be retaken or should the general principle be applied concerning the intervention of an outside agent, i.e. "a dropped ball"?
The game shall be restarted by a "dropped ball" at the place where the ball was at the time the game was stopped, unless it was within the goal-area at that time, in which case it shall be dropped on that part of the goal-area line which runs parallel to the goal-line at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped.
The ball bursts immediately after it is in play from a free-kick, penalty, throw-in etc., without therefore being played by another player. Should the restart be repeated or should the game be restarted by a "dropped ball" at the place where the ball burst?
The situation is answered in Law II, International Board Decision 4, as follows: (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, unless it was within the goal-area at that time, in which case it shall be dropped on that part of the goal-area line which runs parallel to the goal-line, at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped.

III. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

lf a player accidentally passes over one of the boundary lines of the field of play, is he considered to have left the field of play without the permission of the referee?
No.
If a player in possession of the ball passes over the touch-line or the goal-line without the ball in order to beat an opponent, should the referee penalise him for leaving the field of play without permission?
No. Going outside the field of play may be considered as part of a playing movement, but players are expected, as a general rule, to remain within the playing-area.
Is it permissible for a goal-keeper to take a throw-in?
Yes.
May an expelled player stay on the substitutes' bench?
No. An expelled player shall return to the dressing room.
In the 20^th minute of the second half, a team with only seven players is penalised by the award of a penalty-kick and as a consequence one of their players is expelled, leaving only six in the team.
Should the referee allow the penalty-kick to be taken or should he abandon the match before taking the kick?
The game must be abandoned without allowing the penalty-kick to be taken, unless the National Association has decided otherwise with regard to the minimum number of players.
In the opinion of the International FA. Board, a match should not be considered valid if there are fewer than seven players in either of the teams.
What action should a referee take if a substitute, who is not participating in the game, runs onto the field and kicks an opponent?
The referee must stop the game, order the substitute from the field, restart the game by dropping the ball at the place where it was when play was stopped, unless the ball was within the goal-area at that time, in which case it shall be dropped on that part of the goal-area line which runs parallel to the goal-line at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped. The substitute will not be allowed to take any part subsequently in the match and must also be reported to the appropriate authority.
If, before the start of a match played under the rules of a competition, a player is replaced by a substitute without the referee having been notified, may this substitute continue to participate in the game?
Yes, provided Law III, 2 (c) ("a team shall not be permitted to use more than two substitutes in any match") is complied with.
Is a substitute considered to be a member of the team at the moment he enters the field of play or when the referee restarts the game?
The substitution is completed when the substitute enters the field of play, provided the game has been stopped, the player being replaced has left the field and the referee has signalled his permission for the substitute to enter the field of play at the half-way line.
The Board is of the opinion that a match cannot be considered as normal if one of the teams is playing with less than 7 players. In a competition where such a limitation applies, a team consisting of 11 players is playing against a team with only 7. When the team consisting of 11 players is about to take a shot at goal one of the players of the team of 7 deliberately leaves the field of play.
9.1. Does the referee have to apply the advantage clause if he realises the deliberate misconduct of the player who has left the field?
Yes.
9.2. If a goal is scored must he allow it?
Yes.
9.3. Should the game be abandoned when the player leaves the field of play?
No, but if he fails to return for the kick-off after the goal is scored, the game must be abandoned and the player reported to the appropriate authority.
If a player who is about to be replaced refuses to leave the field of play what action should the referee take?
The referee must continue with the game. Either the team captain or a team official may intercede here but not the referee.
In a competition in which the names of nominated substitutes are required to be given to the referee prior to the commencement of the match, the referee authorises a substitute who has not been nominated to enter the field of play and the latter scores a goal.
11.1. Should this player be regarded as legal or illegal?
The player must be regarded as illegal, in accordance with Law III, 2 (c).
11.2. If this player is regarded as illegal, should there be a replay of the match for this reason?
In accordance with the foregoing, it is the authority which is responsible for the organisation of the competition which has to decide on the second question, depending upon the rules of the competition.
A substitute enters the field of play without having obtained the referee's permission. While the ball is in play an opponent punches him. What action should the referee take?
The referee must stop play send off the player guilty of violent conduct, caution the substitute and restart the game by an indirect free-kick against the team of the substitute at the place where the infringement occurred, subject to the overriding conditions of Law XIII.
Player N^o 8 is replaced by player N^o 12. Player N^o 8 leaves the field of play. Before player N^o 12 enters the field of play he strikes an opponent who is standing on the touch-line. What action should the referee take? Should he order player N^o 12 from the field without authorising the substitution? May the team in question replace player N^o 8 by another substitute since the offence of player N^o 12 was committed outside the touch-line before entering the field of play?
Because of his violent conduct, player N^o 12 shall not be permitted to enter the field of play. Player N^o 8 may be replaced by another eligible substitute or may continue as a player since the substitution has not been completed. Moreover, the referee must mention this incident in his match report.
A player sustains an injury during a match and the doctor informs the referee that it would be dangerous for the player to continue playing. Can the referee prohibit the player from continuing to play?
It is not for the referee to decide whether an injured player should leave the game or not. Such a decision rests entirely on the officials of the team.
The goalkeeper (N^o 1), whose hand has been injured, changes places with player N^o 7 without notifying the referee, just a few minutes before the end of the match. Both teams have already made their two legitimate substitutions and player N^o 7 has been cautioned. The ball is in play and player N^o 1 scores the winning goal for his team just as the normal time runs to an end. Immediately after the goal is scored, the referee blows the final whistle, without having been able to carry out the kick-off and without having been able to caution the offending players. What action should the referee take in this case?
The referee must allow the goal, caution player N^o 1, send off payer N^o 7 (second caution) and signal for the end of the game. In the event that he was unable to administer the cautions before the end of time, he shall inform a team official about the misconduct of the two players and include details in his report to the appropriate authorities.
A player changes places with the goalkeeper during half-time without informing the referee. The new goalkeeper who then enters the field of play touches the ball with his hand during the second half. What should be the referee's decision?
a) Allow play to continue.
b) Caution both players when the ball goes out of play.
17.1. According to the rules of a competition it is compulsory to give a list of the players including the names of the substitutes (total 16) before the match. One team gives the names of only nine players and five substitutes. The team Iines up nine players on the field. Two minutes later two further players appear, who wish to take part. Should they be prevented from taking part or should they be allowed to play?
Although Law III would allow the players to take part, the rules of the competition must be applied. The rules, in this case, prohibit the two players from taking part.
17.2. Referring to the same case, the team lines up 11 players, using two from the list of substitutes. After the arrival of the two players who were missing, they insist on the inclusion of their names in the list of substitutes. Can this request be complied with?
In accordance with the answer given to question N^o 17.1., the two players will not be allowed to be listed as substitutes.
A player being substituted leaves the field and the referee signals to the substitute to enter the field. Before entering, however he delivers a throw-in, ignoring the formalities mentioned under Law III, 5 (c) regarding entering the field. Is this permitted?
No, the formalities mentioned under Law III, 5 (c) have first to be completed.
The coaches, physiotherapists and officials who are allowed to sit on the substitutes' bench with the substitutes of their team infringe the Laws repeatedly by giving instructions from the edge of the field of play or interfere directly in the game by entering the field without the referee's permission, thus gaining an unfair advantage for their team. What action should the referee take?
If the offending parties on the substitutes' bench interfere with play, the referee has the authority to remove them from the bench. He must report these incidents to the appropriate authorities.
If no substitutes have been named and a player is sent off before play has begun, may the team which is affected complete the side with a player who subsequently arrives?
The team may be completed with this player provided this is allowed by the rules of the competition.

IV. PLAYERS' EQUIPMENT

If a player following doctor's orders, protects his elbow or any similar part of his body with a bandage to prevent further injury, has the referee the power to decide if the bandage constitutes a danger to other players?
Yes.
If due to a collision with an opponent, a player loses a shoe and immediately scores a goal is the goal valid or not?
The goal is valid. The player did not intentionally play barefoot, but lost his shoe by accident.
If the colour of the shirts of the two goalkeepers is the same, what should the referee do if neither has another shirt to change into?
The referee shall allow play to continue.

V. REFEREES

If a referee is struck in the face by the ball which then enters the goal while he is temporarily incapacitated, should a goal be allowed although he has not seen it scored?
Yes, if in the opinion of a neutral linesman nearer to the incident the goal was properly scored.
A linesman signals that the ball has passed over the touch-line, but before the referee has declared the ball out of play a defending player inside the penalty-area strikes an attacking player. What action should the referee take?
After having taken the appropriate action in relation to the offence the referee shall restart the game with a throw-in because the ball was out of play when the offence occurred.
What action should a referee take against a player who lights a cigarette during the game?
Caution him for ungentlemanly conduct.
Can a captain send off one of his own team for serious misconduct?
No. Only a referee can send a player off the field.
What should a referee do if two captains agree to forego the half-time interval and one of the players insists on his right to 5 minutes' rest?
Players have a right to 5 minutes' interval and the referee must grant it.
Is the referee empowered to order team officials away from the boundary lines of the field of play?
Yes, the referee has the right to take such measures even if the match is being played on a public ground.
How should a referee react if during the course of a match, he realises that one of the teams is deliberately trying to lose? Should he draw the attention of the team in question to the fact that if they continue to play in that way he will terminate the game in accordance with the provisions of Law V (d)?
The referee has no right to stop the game in this case.
During a free-kick the referee gives a signal to continue even though an opponent is only 4.5m away from the ball and the opponent intercepts it. What should the referee's decision be?
Play shall continue.
Is the referee authorised to stop play if, in his opinion,. the floodlights are inadequate?
Yes.
Does a team captain have the right to question a decision of the referee?
No, neither the captain nor any other player has the right to show disagreement with a decision taken by the referee.
Some matches are played under floodlights. Sometimes these fail. Does the match have to be replayed in its entirety or only for the remaining time of play, if the lighting cannot be repaired after the failure?
If, for any of the reasons mentioned under Law V, the referee terminates a match before normal time, it will have to he replayed in its entirety unless the rules of the competition provide for the score to be valid at the time the match was stopped.
During a match, the referee or one of the linesmen is hit by an object thrown by spectators. Play is stopped for the referee or linesman to receive medical attention. Should the referee continue the game?
If it is an isolated incident, the referee shall continue the game and shall submit a report to the responsible authorities.

VI. LINESMEN

May a referee ask a neutral linesman to give an opinion as to whether or not the ball crossed the goal-line between the posts?
Yes.

VII. DURATION OF THE GAME

45 minutes after the start of the second half of a match, the score is 1-0 in favour of team A and the referee decides to allow two minutes further play to compensate for time lost. During these two minutes, team B scores two goals and wins the match. Is a National Association allowed, for any reason, to consider the two goals scored during the final two minutes as invalid, i.e. can the second half of the match be considered ended after 45 minutes, ignoring the referee's decision.
The referee's decision is final. All the goals scored during playing time are valid.
During the game a player advancing in counterattack eludes the last but one defender about half-way along the field and near the touch-line. The goalkeeper sprints from the goal to stop the opponent but succeeds only in clearing the ball away from the field of play. Because of his speed the goalkeeper also carries on running off the field and a forward exploits the situation by taking a throw-in quickly and correctly, with the goalkeeper still off the field, and play ends in a goal. What sanction should the referee take?
No offence has been committed. The goal is valid.
Is it left to the referee's discretion to decide whether lost time (injuries or other causes) are to be compensated or not?
No, the referee must add on in each half of the game all the time lost. However, the amount of such time is at the discretion of the referee.

VIII. THE START OF PLAY

May the kick-off be taken by a person other than one of the players taking part in the match?
No. If, in certain matches (e.g. charity or exhibition matches) a ceremony is arranged for a person not taking part in the game to kick the hall, it must be brought back to the centre of the field and kicked off in accordance with the Law.
When extra time is played, which team kicks off?
The captains toss for the choice of ends or kick-off for the extra time period.
If the ball is kicked straight into the opponents' goal from the kick-off, what decision does the referee give?
Goal-kick to the opposing team.

IX. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

Is the ball out of play if any part of the ball overlaps either the goal-line or the touch line?
No, the whole of the ball must cross the line.
A player asks to leave the field and, as he's walking off, the ball comes towards him and he shoots a goal. What action should the referee take?
The player shall be cautioned. The game shall be restarted by an indirect free-kick, taken by a player of the opposing team, from the place where the infringement occurred, subject to the overriding conditions of Law XIII.
A spectator blows a whistle and the goalkeeper, thinking it was the referee, passes the ball to a team-mate, who picks up the ball and places it on the ground, assuming that a free-kick has been awarded. Should the referee award a direct free-kick (or penalty) for handling the ball or should he stop the game because of the spectator's intervention and resume play by dropping the ball?
Because the whistle came from off the field and not from the referee, a direct free-kick (or a penalty) shall be awarded to the opposing team for handling the ball.
The ball leaves the field, passing over the touch-line after having been played by a player in team A. The linesman signals a throw-in but the referee does not see his signal. During the next few minutes free-kicks and corner-kicks are taken. The referee then notices the linesman with his flag still raised. What decision should the referee take?
It is impossible to act on the linesman's signal after so much play.
The referee is about to drop the ball. He invites the players from both teams to take part. One of the teams refuses. What should the referee do?
The referee shall resume play by dropping the ball.
The referee awards a dropped ball close to the touch-line. When dropped, the ball bounces across the touch-line without having been played. The Law stipulates that the ball must be dropped again but does not indicate from which place. Should the ball be dropped at the same place as before or from the point where it left the field?
The ball must be dropped at the same place as before.
The ball accidentally hits the referee or a linesman on the field of play and rebounds into goal. What should the referee's decision be?
The referee shall award the goal.
May a goalkeeper join other players at a dropped ball situation?
Yes, the goalkeeper is a player just like the other players.

X. METHOD OF SCORING

If a referee signals a goal before the ball has passed wholly over the goal-line and he immediately realises his error, is the goal valid?
No. The game shall he restarted by dropping the ball on that part of the goal-area line, parallel to the goal-line, nearest to the place where it was when the referee inadvertently stopped play.
If a neutral linesman signals an offence or serious foul play or violent conduct committed by a player and not seen by the referee and this player's team scores a goal what action should the referee take?
As long as play has not restarted, the goal shall he disallowed, the guilty player sent off and the match continued with a free-kick at the place where the infringement occurred, subject to the overriding conditions of Law XIII.
After team A has kicked the hall into the goal of team B, the referee notices a signal from his linesman. The linesman tells the referee that a few seconds before the ball entered the goal of team B, the goalkeeper of team A had punched an opponent within his own penalty-area. What action should the referee take?
The goal shall not be awarded, the goalkeeper of team A should be sent off and a penalty-kick should he awarded to team B.

XI. OFF-SIDE

Does a player infringe the Law if he is in an offside position and moves a little way beyond the boundary of the field of play to show clearly to the referee that he is not interfering with play?
No, but if the referee considers that such a movement has a tactical aim or is in any way a feint, and the player takes part in the game immediately after, the referee may deem his action to be ungentlemanly conduct and caution him. Play shall be restarted in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
Is a team-mate allowed to stand in an off-side position when a penalty-kick is being taken?
Yes, but he would be declared off-side if the kicker failed to score directly and the player, in the opinion of the referee, interfered with the game. The player would not be off-side if the goalkeeper parried the ball and deflected it to him.
A player of the attacking team passes beyond the boundary line for a moment in order to avoid an off-side. However as soon as he re-enters the field of play he joins in the game and plays the ball which has been passed to him by a team colleague. Would it be correct to award an indirect free-kick and caution the player as he has committed two infringements at the same time, off-side and leaving the field of play without the referee's permission?
Only off-side shall be penalised as the player's exit from the field of play cannot be considered as leaving the field without the referee's permission and therefore does not warrant a caution.
What action should the referee take if a defending player moves beyond his own goal-line in order to place an opponent in an off-side position?
The action of the defender is considered as ungentlemanly conduct, but it is not necessary for the referee to stop play immediately to caution the player. The attacker should not be punished for the position in which he has been unfairly placed.
A forward is unable to stop running and enters the goal. At the same time the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper or a post and another forward kicks the ball into the goal. What is the decision if:
(a) the forward who is in the goal remains stationary as the ball enters?
(b) the forward who is in the goal moves or shouts as the ball enters?
(a) The goal is valid in this case. The player cannot be considered off-side.
(b) A goal cannot he allowed because the player who shouted or moved interfered with the game. As the forward who shouted or moved was off the field of play, play shall be resumed by a dropped ball on that part of the goal-area line which runs parallel to the goal-line near the point nearest to where the hall was when play was stopped. The offending forward shall also he cautioned for ungentlemanly conduct.
"A" plays the ball towards "B", who is in an off-side position and moving towards the ball. The referee declares him offside because he is trying to gain an advantage. When the referee indicates his decision, "B" is closer to the ball. From where should the indirect free-kick be taken?
(a) from the point where "B" was when the ball was played by "A", or
(b) from the point where "B" was when the referee signalled he was offside?
The referee shall give the indirect free-kick from the place where B was when the ball was last played.

XII. FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

Should a penalty be awarded if, when the ball is played, a player intentionally trips or strikes an opponent who is in an offside position in the penalty-area, but who is not attempting to play the ball or interfere with play in any way?
Yes.
What is the decision if a player after receiving the approval of the referee to leave the field of play because of slight injury or other cause, places himself near the touch-Iine and puts his foot into the field causing an opponent to fall?
The player shall he cautioned and the game restarted by a direct free-kick because the offence occurred within the field of play.
Should the referee award a penalty-kick when a defending player is sent off the field for kicking or striking an opponent within the penalty-area?
Yes, provided the ball was in play at the moment when the offence was committed.
If a player intentionally lies on the ball for an unreasonable length of time, is he guilty of ungentlemanly conduct?
Yes. He must be cautioned, and an indirect free-kick awarded to the opposing team. In case of repetition of the offence, he must be sent off the field.
How should the game be restarted if, when the ball is about to be dropped within the penalty-area, a defending player strikes an opponent before the ball touches the ground?
After having taken the appropriate action in relation to the offence the referee snaIl drop the ball. If the misconduct took place inside the penalty-area he must not award a penalty-kick because the call was not in play at the time the offence was committed.
What action should the referee take if a player of the defending team, other than the goalkeeper standing outside the penalty-area, intentionally handles the ball within the penalty-area?
He shall penalise the player by awarding a penalty-kick because the offence took place within the penalty-area.
What action should the referee take if, while the ball is in play, two players of the same team commit ungentlemanly or violent conduct towards each other on the field of play?
The referee shall caution them or send them off and restart the game with an indirect free-kick.
A player enters or returns to the field of play without receiving a signal from the referee to do so, and, apart from this, commits another more serious infringement, e.g. handles the ball or strikes an opponent. How should he be penalised?
1. The referee shall caution the player for entering or returning to the field of play without having received a signal from the referee.
2. The referee shall furthermore punish the more serious infringement in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
If a referee cautions a player who in turn apologises for his misconduct, can the referee omit to report the incident?
No, all cautions must he reported.
A defender positioned just outside his penalty-area, sees his goalkeeper out of position and jumps to intentionally catch the ball so as to avoid it falling into possession of an attacking player who is advancing to take a shot at goal. What action should the referee take
(a) for the first infringement?
(b) for a second infringement committed by the same player?
(c) for a further similar infringement committed by another player of the same team?
(a) Caution the player for ungentlemanly conduct and award a direct free-kick.
(b) Send off the player and award a direct free-kick.
(c) Caution the player for ungentlemanly conduct and award a direct free-kick.
What action should the referee take against players who leave the field of play whilst celebrating a goal?
Celebrating a goal is all part of football. A caution is only warranted if a player gives an excessive demonstration of jubilation. e.g. by jumping over the boundary fence, gesticulating at his opponents or the spectators or ridiculing them by pointing to his shirt.
The goalkeeper controls the ball with his hands in the penalty-area, and passes it to a team-mate who is also within the penalty-area. The latter miskicks the ball towards his own goal. The goalkeeper touches it with his hands but fails to stop it entering the goal. What should the referee's decision be in this case?
The referee shall award the goal.
The goalkeeper is in his penalty-area holding the hall firmly in his hands. He then places it on the ground and takes it beyond the penalty-area. On noticing that an opponent is very near he re-enters the penalty-area with the ball and controls the ball again with his hands so as to pass it to a colleague or kick it a long way down the field. Should the goalkeeper be penalised for this?
Yes, the opposing team shall be awarded an indirect free-kick as the goalkeeper has committed an infringement of Law XII 5 (a).
Whilst the ball is in play, the goalkeeper strikes an attacking player in the area enclosed by the goal-line and the goal-nets, the player having missed the ball and fallen into the nets. What action should the referee take?
The referee shall stop the game, send off the goalkeeper and restart the game by dropping the ball at the place where it was when the violence occurred, unless it was within the goal-area at that time, in which case it shall be dropped on that part of the goal-area line which runs parallel to the goal-line at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped. A penalty-kick cannot be awarded as the area described is not part of the held of play.
15.1. What action should the referee take against a player other than the goalkeeper who, whilst standing in his own penalty-area holding a shinguard, hits the ball so as to prevent it entering the goal?
The shinguard must be regarded as an extension of the player's hand and he must therefore be penalised by the award of a penalty-kick.
15.2. What happens if in a similar situation, the player in question is the goalkeeper?
The situatIon is different for the goalkeeper since the Laws of the Game entitle him to play the ball with his hands, therefore he should be cautioned and penalised by the award of an indirect free-kick.
How should a player be penalised for throwing an object (stone, shoe) or spitting from within the penalty-area at a player who is outside the penalty-area?
He must be penalised by a penalty-kick and be sent off.
A forward running with the ball meets a defender in his path. The forward runs off the field of play so as to continue playing the hall, but the defender intentionally knocks him over when he is beyond the touch-line. How should the referee penalise the infringement and how should he restart the game?
The referee shall caution or send off the defender, depending upon the seriousness of the offence. He shall restart the game by dropping the ball at the place where it was when the infringement was committed, except if it was within the goal-area at that time, in which case it shall be dropped on that part of the goal-area line which runs parallel to the goal-line at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped.
A goalkeeper kicks the hall to a player of his team. This player passes the ball back to the goalkeeper, who then returns it once more, either to the same player or another. This action is repeated several times. Should this conduct be regarded as time-wasting or should one apply the principle that the players of the opposing team have the possibility of intercepting these passes?
Only if the referee deems that the action of the goalkeeper is deliberately intended to waste time in the sense of Law XII 5(b), shall he award an indirect free-kick to the opposing team.
If a player throws an object at an opponent (e.g. a stone, a shoe or any other missile), where should the offence be penalised?
The offence is deemed to be committed at the place where the guilty player started the action.
Should the referee send off, for violent conduct, a player who spits at an opponent?
Yes. Play shall be restarted with a direct free-kick (or penalty-kick) if the offence took place while the ball was in play.
ls there a difference in the punishment to be given for spitting at an opponent or attempting to do so?
No. Spitting or attempting to do so are equally grave offences.
What action should the referee take against a player who throws an object (e.g. a shoe) at a player who is seated on the substitutes' bench?
The referee shall stop the game, send off the guilty player and resume the game by an indirect free-kick from the place where the offender was situated, subject to the overriding conditions of Law XIII.
What action should the referee take against a substitute who throws an object (e.g. a shoe) at a player of the opposing team who is on the field of play and is at that moment playing the ball?
The referee shall stop the game, send the substitute off and resume the game by dropping the ball at the place it was when play was stopped, unless it was within the goal-area at that time, in which case it shall he dropped on that part of the goal-area line which runs parallel to the goal-Iine at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped. He must report this incident to the responsible authorities. The substitute will not be allowed to take part in the match.
May a player stand behind the opponent's goal-line, between the goal-posts?
No.
What action should be taken it a player standing in his own penalty-area strikes the referee?
The player shall be sent off and play resumed with an indirect free-kick to the opposing team, taken from the place of the offence, subject to the overriding conditions of Law XIII.
May the yellow card be shown to coaches or members of a technical delegation?
No, the yellow card is only used in cautioning players.
lf a player who has been cautioned asks to leave the field to have an injury treated or for any other reason and re-enters the field without the referee's permission, should he be sent off because he has already been cautioned?
Yes, he shall be sent off.
A goalkeeper holding the ball in his penalty-area, deliberately throws the ball at an opponent who is outside the penalty area. What action should the referee take?
A penalty-kick shall be awarded in accordance with Decision 1 of Law XII.
A goalkeeper in his penalty-area with the ball in his hands passes it to a team-mate who is also in the penalty-area. The goalkeeper leaves the penalty-area. His team-mate remains in the penalty-area and passes the ball to him. The goalkeeper then plays the ball back into the penalty-area and picks it up again. What action should the referee take?
Award an indirect free-kick to the opposing team at the place where the offence occurred subject to the overriding conditions of Law XIII, because the ball was not touched or played by another player of the same team outside the penalty-area.

XIII. FREE-KICK

If a player takes a free-kick from outside his own penalty-area and then intentionally handles the ball before it has been played by another player should the referee punish the more serious offence and if so, how?
Yes, by a direct free-kick or by a penalty-kick if the offence took place in the penalty-area.
May a free-kick be passed backwards?
Yes. The provisions of Law XIII must, however, be observed in respect of free-kicks taken by the defending side from within its own penalty-area.
A player is awarded a free-kick in his own half of the field of play and he passes it back to his own goalkeeper who misses it completely and the ball enters the net. Is it a goal or corner-kick?
The referee shall award a corner-kick provided that, in the case of the free-kick in the penalty-area, the ball has already gone into play, otherwise the free-kick inside the penalty-area must be retaken.
lf the ball from an indirect free-kick touches another player and enters the goal should a goal be awarded?
Yes. However, in the case of a free-kick taken by a defender in his own penalty-area, the ball must first be kicked out of the penalty-area into play.
When a goal-kick or an indirect free-kick is taken from within a player's own penalty-area, when may opposing players enter the penalty-area?
After the ball has passed outside the penalty-area.
May a free-kick he taken by lifting the ball with both feet simultaneously?
No. It is not accepted that a free-kick is taken correctly if it is lifted with both feet.
All the defenders are properly lined up at the stipulated distance of 9.75m. (10 yards). The referee signals for the free-kick to be taken and the attackers (three for instance) apply tactics devised to break up the waIl. Very quickly the first attacker runs over the ball without touching it, a second attacker does exactly the same immediately after, which has the effect of making one or two of the defenders move forward, whereupon the third attacker kicks the ball which is parried by one of the defenders who is no longer at the stipulated distance. Should the referee consider that, by employing these tactics, the attacking players took the risk of playing for a surprise and allow play to continue without intervening? Or, on the contrary, for this particular case, should he intervene by cautioning the defending players for approaching before the ball had travelled the distance of its own circumference and have the free-kick repeated?
The free-kick carried out in this manner is correct and the players who have formed a wall at 9.15m distance from the ball must not come forward. The referee could have the free-kick retaken if the ball struck one of the players who had advanced from the wall and thus failed to adhere to the stipulated distance before the ball had travelled the distance of its circumference or he could choose to allow advantage to the attacking team. The player or players guilty of encroachment should be cautioned.
When taking a free-kick awarded to their team, may players use feinting tactics to confuse opponents?
Yes. Furthermore, if the opponents move nearer than 9.15m (10 yards) to the baIl before it is in play, they shall be cautioned.
A player wishes to play a free-kick quickly, with an opponent being only 4.5m from the ball. Should the referee allow this?
Yes, and even if an opponent intercepts the ball, play shall be allowed to continue.
If the referee forgets to raise his arm when an indirect free-kick is taken, does this mean that this indirect free-kick has not been carried out in accordance with the Laws?
No. The award of an indirect free-kick shall be respected, because the initial offence requiring an indirect free-kick is not nullified by the referee's mistake.

XIV. PENALTY-KICK

If a player intentionally goes beyond the boundary of the field of play when a penalty-kick is being taken, should the referee caution him and if he repeats the offence, send him off?
Yes
If a penalty-kick is retaken because the goalkeeper moved his feet, must the same player take the kick again or could another player do so?
Another player could also retake the penalty-kick.
If a player taking a penalty-kick back-heels the ball to a colleague, who scores, should the goal be allowed?
No. The ball must he played forward. The penalty-kick shall be retaken.
Can a player taking a penalty-kick push the ball forward for a colleague to run to it and score?
Yes, provided:
(a) all of the players, with the exception of the player taking the penalty-kick and the opposing goalkeeper, are outside the penalty-area and not within 9.15m (10 yards) of the penalty-mark, at the time the kick is taken.
(b) The colleague to whom the ball is passed is not in an off-side position when it is kicked, Nd> (c) the penalty-kick is taken in normal time and the requirements of the Law are satisfied.
If a defender, whilst standing in his own penalty-area, strikes an opponent while the ball is in play in the opponents penalty-area, should the referee award a penalty-kick?
Yes.
Is a player taking a penalty-kick allowed to place the ball elsewhere than on the penalty-mark owing to the waterlogged state of the pitch?
No.
What action does the referee take if when a penalty-kick is being taken, the ball strikes the goal-post and/or cross-bar and bursts?
(a) He stops the game, asks for another ball and restarts the game by dropping the ball,
(b) If the penalty-kick is being taken in extended time (see Law XIV, Decision 7) and the ball strikes the goal-post ann/or cross-bar and bursts, the game ends.
What are the decisions of the referee if, the signal having been given, but before the ball is kicked, a colleague of the player taking the kick encroaches into the penalty-area and the referee notices the offence but allows the kick to be taken and the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper, cross-bar or goal-posts to the player who has encroached and this player sends the ball into goal?
The referee shall disallow the goal, caution the player who encroached for ungentlemanly conduct and restart the game with an indirect free-kick.
When is a penalty-kick considered completed in the event of a match being extended at half-time or full-time to allow it to be taken, or in the event of kicks being taken from the penalty-mark to determine the winner of a match?
Here one must refer to Law XIV - Penalty-kick, Decision N^o 6 of the International F.A. Board. There are three possible situations:
1. The player taking the penalty-kicks the ball which then:
  1. passes entirely over the goal-line, between the goal-posts and beneath the cross-bar.
    Decison: Goal, the penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  2. Goes over the boundary line of the field of play, either passing the goal-line or over the top of the cross-bar.
    Decision: The penalty-kick (or kick from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
2. The player taking the penalty-kicks the ball which, having rebounded from either goal-post or the cross-bar,
  1. passes entirely over the goal-line, between the goal-posts and beneath the cross-bar.
    Decision: Goal, the penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  2. passes beyond the field of play over the goal-line or over the cross-bar.
    Decision: The penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  3. rebounds back into play.
    Decision: The penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  4. rebounds back into play, hits the goalkeeper and passes entirely over the goal-line, between the goal-posts and beneath the cross-bar.
    Decision: Goal, the penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  5. rebounds into the field of play, hits the goalkeeper and passes beyond the goal-line or over the cross-bar.
    Decision: The penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  6. rebounds back into the field of play, strikes the goalkeeper and remains in the field of play.
    Decision: The penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  7. bounces onto the goal-Iine, between the goal-posts and beneath the cross-bar.
    Decision: The referee must wait until the ball's flight is finished and, if it passes entirely over the-goal-line, between the goal-posts and beneath the cross-bar, he shall allow the goal and terminate the extended time, if applicable,
3. The player who is taking the penalty-kicks the ball, which is touched or played by the goalkeeper
  1. who holds it firmly.
    Decision: The penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable,
  2. who fails to prevent the ball from entirely passing over the goal-line, between the goal-posts and beneath the cross-bar.
    Decision: Goal, the penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  3. who deflects it back into the field of play.
    Decision: The penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  4. making the ball rebound from one of the goal-posts or the cross-bar, hit the goalkeeper and pass entirely over the goal-line, between the goal-posts and beneath the cross-bar.
    Decision: Goal, the penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
  5. who allows it to roll under him and pass entirely over the goal-line, between the goal-posts and beneath the cross-bar.
    Decision: Goal, the penalty-kick (or kicks from the penalty-mark) is over and therefore the extended time also, if applicable.
If a match is extended to allow a penalty-kick to be taken, may a goalkeeper be replaced before the kick is taken?
Yes, he may be replaced by another eligible player on the field or by a substitute provided the number of substitutions is not exceeded.
During the extension of normal time for the taking of a penalty-kick, the referee signals for the kick to be taken but before the ball is played a player encroaches into the penalty-area and the ball enters the goal. Should the penalty-kick be retaken?
(a) If the infringing player belongs to the attacking team, the referee shall disallow the goal, caution the guilty player and have the penalty-kick retaken,
(b) If the infringing player belongs to the defending team, the referee shall allow the goal, caution the player and terminate the match.
When a penalty-kick is being taken the goalkeeper advances before the ball is kicked and intercepts it in front of the goal-line. Should he be cautioned in the same way as a defending player who enters the penalty-area before the kick is taken?
No. The goalkeeper shall only be cautioned if he persists in doing this, but the penalty-kick must be retaken.
A team-mate of a player taking a penalty-kick enters the penalty-area before the ball is in play and the ball is deflected by the goalkeeper and crosses the goal-line over the top of the cross-bar. What action should the referee take?
He shall caution the player who encroached and award a corner-kick.
If a player taking a penalty-kick feints, what action should the referee take?
The referee should allow play to continue, unless he deems the action to be ungentlemanly conduct, in which case the player shall be cautioned and the kick, if already taken, shall be retaken if a goal is scored.
If a penalty-kick is awarded in extended time, does the referee have to indicate that normal time has been completed?
No, but he may choose to advise the captains that the normal time has been completed.
If a player takes a penalty-kick before the referee has signalled, what action should the referee take?
The kick must be retaken. The player shall be cautioned only if he takes the penalty-kick again without awaiting the referee's signal.
When a penalty-kick is being taken and after the referee has given the necessary signal, a team-mate of the player who is taking the penalty-kick suddenly rushes forward and takes it instead. What action should the referee take if the ball:
(a) leaves the field of play
(b) is pushed out of play by the goalkeeper
(c) is deflected by the goalkeeper, rebounds into play and the player who took the kick scores a goal?
In each of these cases, the referee shall caution the team-mate for ungentlemanly conduct. The penalty-kick shall be retaken.
A penalty-kick is being taken and all the players are in correct positions. The referee gives the signal but an attacking player punches a defender whom he encounters outside the penalty area. The referee notices the incident. What action should he take?
The referee has enough time to delay having the penalty-kick taken to send off the offending player. Only after the offending player has left the field shall the penalty-kick be taken.

KICKS FROM THE PENALTY-MARK TO DETERMINE THE WINNER OF A MATCH

Does taking kicks from the penalty-mark to determine the winner of a match form part of the match?
Such kicks from the penalty-mark never form part of a match.
The captains of both teams mutually agree not to take kicks from the penalty-mark to determine the winner of a match, despite the fact that this is stipulated in the regulations of the competition. What action should the referee take?
In this event, the referee must make a report to the appropriate competition authorities explaining what happened.
Who is responsible for selecting the players to take the kicks from the penalty-mark to determine the winner of a match?
Each team is responsible for selecting the players to take part in taking kicks from the penalty-mark to determine the winner of a match. The referee's only duty here is to ensure compliance with point 5 of the FIFA instructions to National Associations and Confederations regarding taking kicks from the penalty-mark.
If a situation arises where the winner of a match must be determined by tossing a coin or by drawing lots, must this procedure be conducted immediately after the match by the referee?
Yes, but if for some reason this is not done, it may be carried out later by the competition organiser.
If, when taking kicks from the penalty-mark to winner of a match, the ball bursts on hitting one of the goal-posts or the cross-bar, should this kick count as one of the five to which the team in question is entitled?
Yes, this kick must be counted as one of the five of the team in question.
May an injured player be excused from taking part in the kicks from the penalty-mark to decide the result of a match?
An injured player may be excused from taking kicks, but not a player who is not injured.
At the end of a match, some players leave the field of play and fail to return while kicks are being taken from the penalty-mark. What action can the referee take?
All players who are not injured must participate in taking kicks from the penalty-mark. If they do not return to the field of play, the kicks will not be taken and the referee shall report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Who may replace the goalkeeper if he is injured in the course of kicks being taken from the penalty-mark?
A substitute, if the number permitted has not been exhausted, or another eligible player on the field of play.
Must a player who has already been cautioned and commits a second cautionable offence during the taking of kicks from the penalty-mark be sent off?
Yes.
Kicks from the penalty-mark are about to be taken to decide the winner of a tournament. May one of the teams which has not used a substitute replace one or more of its players with the substitute prior to the kicks being taken?
No. Only those players who are on the field of play at the end of the match may take part.
If the lights fail in the stadium after extra time but before taking kicks from the penalty-mark, what action should the referee take?
The referee should allow reasonable time for the lights to be repaired. if this is impossible, the result should be decided by tossing a coin or by drawing lots.
If kicks from the penalty-mark cannot be retaken because of riots or similar reasons, what action should the referee take?
The referee shall wait a reasonable time but if matters do not improve, the result shall be decided by tossing a coin or by drawing lots.
While kicks from the penalty-mark are being taken to decide the result of the match, a player is sent off. After each team has taken 10 kicks from the penalty- mark, can the team who lost the player use another who has already taken a kick?
Yes.

XV. THROW-IN

The ball is out of play over the touch-line, but before it is thrown in, a player deliberately kicks an opponent. What action should the referee take?
He shall send him off the field of play and restart the game with a throw-in.
A player taking a throw-in throws the ball so that it does not enter the field of play but remains outside the touch-line. What action should be taken?
The throw-in shall be retaken.
A player while correctly taking a throw-in, intentionally throws the ball at an opponents head. What action should the referee take?
If, in the opinion of the referee, the player is guilty of ungentlemanly conduct, he shall be cautioned (or sent off for violent conduct). Play should be resumed by a direct free-kick to the opposing team from the place on the touch-line where the throw-in was taken,
Is there a maximum distance away from the touch-line from which a throw-in may be taken?
No. A throw-in should be taken from the place where the ball left the field of play. However, a distance of up to one metre from the exact position is a common practical guideline.
If an opponent stands in front o fa player at a throw-in to impede him, what action should the referee take?
Allow the throw-in to be taken if the opponent remains stationary. But if he moves or gesticulates to distract the thrower, he shall be cautioned for ungentlemanly conduct.
If a part of either foot of a player taking a throw-in is on the touch-line or if his toes are inside the line and his feet on the line, can a throw-in be taken correctly?
Yes, it is correct (see Law XV Throw-in), provided part of each foot is on or behind the touch-line and on the ground.
May the advantage clause be applied if a throw-in taken incorrectly sends the ball directly to an opponent?
No. The throw-in shall be retaken by a player of the opposing team.
Is a player allowed to take a throw-in kneeling or sitting down?
No. As the throw-in has not been taken correctly, it shall be retaken by a player of the opposing team.
Is a player allowed to take a throw-in acrobatically by rolling with the ball?
The referee must decide if the action conforms to the Laws of the Game.

XVI. GOAL-KICK

A player who has taken a goal-kick properly, intentionally plays the ball with his hand when the ball has left the penalty-area but before it has been touched by another player. What is the decision?
A direct free-kick shall be awarded to the opposing team.
Should the referee award a penalty-kick if a player other then the goalkeeper takes a goal-kick and the ball passes out of the penalty-area into play but is blown back by a strong wind without any other player having touched it, and a player of the defending side other than the goalkeeper plays the ball with his hand within the penalty-area?
Yes. If in similar circumstances, the goalkeeper takes the goal-kick and tries to stop the ball entering the goal and just touches the ball with his hand but fails to prevent it passing into goal, the referee shall award an indirect free-kick.
During a goal-kick, the ball has travelled the distance of its circumference without leaving the penalty-area when an opponent enters the penalty-area and is intentionally fouled by a defending player. Can a penalty-kick be awarded?
No, because the ball was not in play at the time the offence was committed. The offending player shall be cautioned or sent off, according to the nature of the offence, and the goal-kick retaken. If the ball has passed outside the penalty-area before the game is stopped, a goal-kick shall still be retaken as the player of the attacking side entered the penalty-area before the ball was in play.
If a player is intentionally tripped before the ball passes out of the penalty-area when a goal-kick is being taken, should a free-kick be awarded?
No, the ball is not in play until it has been out of the penalty-area. The offender shall be cautioned or sent off and the goal-kick retaken.
After a goal-kick has been taken, the ball strikes the referee inside the penalty-area and continues into play. Must the kick be retaken?
No. Any contact between the ball and the referee on the field of play is considered irrelevant.

XVII. CORNER-KICK

When a corner-kick is taken, what is the correct way to place the ball in the quarter-circle?
The diagram below illustrates some correct and incorrect positions of the ball.

QUESTIONSAND ANSWERS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME