Field markings

It is not permissible to mark the field of play with broken lines or furrows.

If a player makes unauthorised marks on the field of play with his foot, he must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour.  If the referee notices this being done during the match, he must caution the offending player for unsporting behaviour when the ball next goes out of play.

Only the lines indicated in Law 1 are to be marked on the field of play.

Goals

If the crossbar becomes displaced or broken, play is stopped until it has been repaired or replaced in position. If it is not possible to repair the crossbar, the match must be abandoned. The use of a rope to replace the crossbar is not permitted. If the crossbar can be repaired, the match is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

Commercial advertising

Commercial advertising shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) from the boundary lines of the field of play.  No form of commercial advertising, whether real or virtual, is permitted on the field of play, on the ground within the area enclosed by the goal nets or the technical area, or within 1 m (1 yd) of the touch line from the time the teams enter the field of play until they have left it at half-time and from the time the teams re-enter the field of play until the end of the match.  Similarly, advertising is not permitted on the goals, nets, flagposts or their flags and no extraneous equipment (cameras, microphones etc.) may be attached to these items.

Logos and emblems

The reproduction, whether real or virtual, of representative logos or emblems of FIFA, confederations, member associations, leagues, clubs or other bodies is forbidden on the field of play, the goal nets and the areas they enclose, the goals, the flagposts and their flags during playing time.

LAW 2 – THE BALL

Additional balls

Additional balls may be placed around the field of play for use during a match provided that they meet the requirements of Law 2 and their use is under the control of the referee.

Extra balls on the field of play

If an extra ball enters the field of play during the match, the referee must stop the match only if it interferes with play.  Play must be restarted by a dropped ball in the position where the match ball was at the time when the match was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line
parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

If an extra ball enters the field of play during the match without interfering with play, the referee must have it removed at the earliest possible opportunity.

LAW 3 – THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Substitution procedure

• A substitution may be made only during a stoppage in play
• The assistant referee signals that a substitution has been requested
• The player being substituted receives the referee’s permission to leave the field of play, unless he is already off the field of play for reasons that comply with the Laws of the Game
• The referee gives the substitute permission to enter the field of play
• Before entering the field of play, the substitute waits for the player he is replacing to leave the field
• The player being substituted is not obliged to leave the field of play on the halfway line
• Permission to proceed with a substitution may be refused under certain circumstances, e.g. if the substitute is not ready to enter the field of play
• A substitute who has not completed the substitution procedure by setting foot onto the field of play cannot restart play by taking a throw-in or corner kick
• If a player who is about to be replaced refuses to leave the field of play, play continues
• If a substitution is made during the half-time interval or before extra time, the procedure is to be completed before the second half or extra time kicks off

Extra persons on the field of play

Outside agents

Anyone not indicated on the team list as a player, substitute or team official is deemed to be an outside agent as is a player who has been sent off.

If an outside agent enters the field of play:
• the referee must stop play (although not immediately if the outside agent does not interfere with play)
• the referee must have him removed from the field of play and its immediate surroundings
• if the referee stops the match, he must restart play with a dropped ball in the position where the ball was at the time when the match was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped

Team officials

If a team official enters the field of play:
• the referee must stop play (although not immediately if the team official does not interfere with play or if the advantage can be applied)
• the referee must have him removed from the field of play and if his behaviour is irresponsible, the referee must expel him from the field of play and its immediate surroundings
• if the referee stops the match, he must restart play with a dropped ball in the position where the ball was at the time when the match was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped

Player outside the field of play

If, after leaving the field of play to correct unauthorised equipment or kit, to be treated for an injury or bleeding, because he has blood on his kit or for any other reason with the referee’s permission, a player re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission, the referee must:
• stop play (although not immediately if the player does not interfere with play or if the advantage can be applied)
• caution the player for entering the field of play without permission
• order the player to leave the field of play if necessary (e.g. infringement of Law 4)

if the referee stops play, it must be restarted:
• with an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the positionof the ball when play was stopped (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick) if there is no other infringement
• in accordance with Law 12 if the player infringes this Law

If a player accidentally crosses one of the boundary lines of the field of play, he is not deemed to have committed an infringement.  Going off the field of play may be considered to be part of a playing movement.

Substitute or substituted player

If a substitute or a substituted player enters the field of play without permission:
• the referee must stop play (although not immediately if the player in question does not interfere with play or if the advantage can be applied)
• the referee must caution him for unsporting behaviour
• the player must leave the field of play

If the referee stops play, it must be restarted with an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick).

Goal scored with an extra person on the field of play

If, after a goal is scored, the referee realises, before play restarts, that there was an extra person on the field of play when the goal was
scored:
• the referee must disallow the goal if:
   – the extra person was an outside agent and he interfered with play
   – the extra person was a player, substitute, substituted player or team official associated with the team that scored the goal
• the referee must allow the goal if:
   – the extra person was an outside agent who did not interfere with play
   – the extra person was a player, substitute, substituted player or team official associated with the team that conceded the goal

Minimum number of players

If the rules of a competition state that all of the players and substitutes must be named before kick-off and a team begins a match with fewer than 11 players, only the players named in the starting line-up may complete the 11 upon their arrival.

Although a match may not START if either team consists of fewer than seven players, the minimum number of players in a team required for a match to CONTINUE is left to the discretion of member associations.  However, it is the opinion of the International F.A. Board that a match should not continue if there are fewer than seven players in either team.

If a team has fewer than seven players because one or more players has deliberately left the field of play, the referee is not obliged to stop the match and the advantage may be played.  In such cases, the referee must not allow the match to resume after the ball has gone out of play if a team does not have the minimum number of seven players.

LAW 4 – THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

Basic equipment

Colours:
• If the jerseys of the two goalkeepers are the same colour and neither has another jersey to change into, the referee shall allow play to begin

If a player loses his footwear accidentally and immediately plays the ball and/or scores a goal, there is no infringement and the goal is awarded because he lost his footwear by accident.

Goalkeepers may wear tracksuit bottoms as part as their basic equipment.

Other equipment

A player may use equipment other than the basic equipment provided that its sole purpose is to protect him physically and it poses no danger to him or any other player.

All items of clothing or equipment other than the basic equipment must be inspected by the referee and determined not to be dangerous.

Modern protective equipment such as headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight padded material are not considered dangerous and are therefore permitted.

In view of the new technology that has made sports spectacles much safer, both for the wearer and for other players, referees should show tolerance when authorising their use, particularly for younger players.  If an item of clothing or equipment that has been inspected at the start of a match and determined not to be dangerous becomes dangerous or is used in a dangerous manner during the match, its use must no longer be allowed.

The use of radio communication systems between players and/or technical staff is not permitted.

Jewellery

All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed.  Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable.

Referees are also prohibited from wearing jewellery (except for a watch or similar device for timing the match).

Disciplinary sanctions

The players are to be inspected before the match begins and substitutes before they enter the field of play. If a player is discovered to be wearing unauthorised clothing or jewellery during play, the referee must:
• inform the player that the item in question must be removed
• order the player to leave the field of play at the next stoppage if he is unable or unwilling to comply
• caution the player if he wilfully refuses to comply or, having been told to remove the item, is discovered to be wearing the item again

If play is stopped to caution the player, an indirect free kick must be awarded to the opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped (see Law 13 – Position of  Free Kick).

LAW 5 – THE REFEREE

Powers & Duties

The referee is authorised to stop play if, in his opinion, the floodlights are inadequate.

If an object thrown by a spectator hits the referee or one of the assistant referees or a player or team official, the referee may allow the match to continue, suspend play or abandon the match depending on the severity of the incident.  He must, in all cases, report the incident(s) to the appropriate authorities.

The referee has the power to show yellow or red cards during the half-time interval and after the match has finished as well as during extra time and kicks from the penalty mark, since the match remains under his jurisdiction at these times.

If a referee is temporarily incapacitated for any reason, play may continue under the supervision of the assistant referees until the ball next goes out of play.

If a spectator blows a whistle and the referee considers the whistle interfered with play (e.g. a player picks up the ball with his hands, assuming that play has been stopped), the referee must stop the match and restart the play with a dropped ball from the position of the ball when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

Advantage

The referee may play advantage whenever an infringement or offence occurs.

The referee should consider the following circumstances in deciding whether to apply the advantage or stop play:
• the severity of the offence: if the infringement warrants an expulsion, the referee must stop play and send off the player unless there is a subsequent opportunity to score a goal
• the position where the offence was committed: the closer to the opponent’s goal, the more effective it can be
• the chances of an immediate, dangerous attack on the opponents’ goal
• the atmosphere of the match

The decision to penalise the original offence must be taken within a few seconds.

If the offence warrants a caution, it must be issued at the next stoppage.  However, unless there is a clear advantage, it is recommended that the referee stops play and cautions the player immediately.  If the caution is NOT issued at the next stoppage, it cannot be shown later.

Injured players

The referee must adhere to the following procedure when dealing with injured players:
• play is allowed to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in the opinion of the referee, only slightly injured
• play is stopped if, in the opinion of the referee, a player is seriously injured
• after questioning the injured player, the referee may authorise one, or at most two doctors, to enter the field of play to assess the injury and arrange the player’s safe and swift removal from the field of play
• the stretcher-bearers should enter the field of play with a stretcher at the same time as the doctors to allow the player to be removed as quickly as possible
• the referee must ensure an injured player is safely removed from the field of play
• a player is not allowed to receive treatment on the field of play
• any player bleeding from a wound must leave the field of play.  He may not return until the referee is satisfied that the bleeding has stopped.  A player is not permitted to wear clothing with blood on it
• as soon as the referee has authorised the doctors to enter the field of play, the player must leave the field of play, either on a stretcher or on foot. If a player does not comply, he must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour
• an injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted
• when the ball is in play, an injured player must re-enter the field of play from the touch line. When the ball is out of play, the injured player may re-enter from any of the boundary lines
• irrespective of whether the ball is in play or not, only the referee is authorised to allow an injured player to re-enter the field of play
• the referee may give permission for an injured player to return to the field of play if an assistant referee or the fourth official verifies that the player is ready
• if play has not otherwise been stopped for another reason, or if an injury suffered by a player is not the result of a breach of the Laws of the Game, the referee must restart play with a dropped ball from the position of the ball when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped
• the referee must allow for the full amount of time lost through injury to be played at the end of each period of play
• once the referee has decided to issue a card to a player who is injured and has to leave the field of play for treatment, the referee must issue the card before the player leaves the field of play

Exceptions to this ruling are to be made only when:
• a goalkeeper is injured
• a goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and need immediate attention                                                                                                                                                                            • players from the same team have collided and need immediate attention
• a severe injury has occurred, e.g. swallowed tongue, concussion, broken leg                                                                                                                                                                                • the stretcher-bearers should enter the field of play with a stretcher following a signal from the referee

More than one offence occurring at the same time
• Offences committed by two players from the same team:
   – the referee must punish the most serious offence when players commit more than one offence at the same time
   – play must be restarted according to the most serious offence committed
• Offences committed by players from different teams:
   – the referee must stop play and restart it with a dropped ball from the position of the ball at the time of the stoppage, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped

GUIDELINES FOR REFEREES

Positioning with ball in play

Recommendations
• The play should be between the referee and the lead assistant referee
• The lead assistant referee should be within the referee’s field of vision. The referee should use a wide diagonal system
• Staying towards the outside of the play makes it easier to keep play and the lead assistant referee within the referee’s field of vision
• The referee should be close enough to see play without interfering with play
• “What needs to be seen” is not always in the vicinity of the ball.
The referee should also pay attention to:
   – aggressive individual player confrontations off the ball
   – possible offences in the area towards which play is heading
   – offences occurring after the ball is played away

Positioning in dead-ball situations

The best position is one from which the referee can make the right decision. All recommendations about positioning are based on probabilities and must be adjusted using specific information about the teams, the players and events in the match up to that point. 

REFEREE SIGNALS
 

The information above was adapted from the Ken Aston Referee Society web site (http://www.KenAston.org)

Use of whistle

The whistle is needed to:
• start play (1st, 2nd half), after a goal
• stop play:
   – for a free kick or penalty kick
   – if the match is suspended or abandoned
   – when a period of play has ended due to the expiration of time
• restart play at:
   – free kicks when the wall is ordered back the appropriate distance
   – penalty kicks
• restart play after it has been stopped due to:
   – the issue of a yellow or red card for misconduct
   – injury
   – substitution

The whistle is NOT needed to:
• stop play for:
   – a goal kick, corner kick or throw-in
   – a goal
• restart play from:
   – a free kick, goal kick, corner kick, throw-in

A whistle which is used too frequently unnecessarily will have less impact when it is needed. When a discretionary whistle is needed to start play, the referee should clearly announce to the players that the restart may not occur until after that signal. 

Body language

Body language is a tool that the referee uses to:
• help him control the match
• show authority and self-control

Body language is not:
• an explanation of a decision

LAW 6 – THE ASSISTANT REFEREES

Duties and responsibilities

The assistant referees help the referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game.  They also assist the referee in all other matters involving the running of the match at the request and direction of the referee. This commonly includes such matters as:
• inspecting the field, the balls used and players’ equipment
• determining if problems with equipment or bleeding have been resolved
• monitoring the substitution procedure
• maintaining back-up records of time, goals and misconduct

Positioning and team work

1. Kick-off
The assistant referees must be in line with the second last defender.

2. General positioning during the match
The assistant referees must be in line with the second last defender or the ball if it is nearer the goal line than the second last defender.  The assistant referees must always face the field of play.

3. Goal kick
1. The assistant referees must check first if the ball is inside the goal area:
• if the ball is not placed correctly, the assistant referee must not move from his position, make eye contact with the referee and raise his flag

2. Once the ball is placed correctly inside the goal area, the assistant referee must move to the edge of the penalty area to check that the ball leaves the penalty area (ball in play) and that the attackers are outside:
• if the second last defender takes the goal kick, the assistant referee must move directly to the edge of the penalty area

3.  Finally, the assistant referee must take a position to check the offside line, which is a priority in any case

4. Goalkeeper releasing the ball
The assistant referees must take a position in line with the edge of the penalty area and check that the goalkeeper does not touch the ball with his hands outside the penalty area.

Once the goalkeeper has released the ball, the assistant referees must take a position to check the offside line, which is a priority in any case.

5. Penalty kick
The assistant referee must be positioned at the intersection of the goal line and the penalty area.  If the goalkeeper blatantly moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and a goal is not scored, the assistant referee must raise his flag.

6. Kicks from the penalty mark
One assistant referee must be positioned at the intersection of the goal line and the goal area. His main duty is to check if the ball crosses the line:
• when it is clear that the ball has crossed the goal line, the assistant referee must make eye contact with the referee without giving any additional signal
• when a goal has been scored but it is not clear whether the ball has crossed the line, the assistant referee must first raise his flag to attract the referee’s attention and then confirm the goal.

The other assistant referee must be situated in the centre circle to control the remaining players from both teams.

7. “Goal – No Goal” situations
When a goal has been scored and there is no doubt about the decision, the referee and assistant referee must make eye contact and the assistant referee must then run quickly 25-30 metres along the touch line towards the halfway line without raising his flag.

When a goal has been scored but the ball appears still to be in play, the assistant referee must first raise his flag to attract the referee’s attention then continue with the normal goal procedure of running quickly 25-30 metres along the touch line towards the halfway line. 

On occasions when the whole of the ball does not cross the goal line and play continues as normal because a goal has not been scored, the referee must make eye contact with the assistant referee and if necessary give a discreet hand signal.

8. Corner kick
The assistant referee’s position for a corner kick is behind the corner flag in line with the goal line. In this position he must not interfere with the player taking the corner kick.  He must check that the ball is properly placed inside the corner arc.

9. Free kick
The assistant referee’s position for a free kick must be in line with the second last defender in order to check the offside line which is a priority in any case.  However, he must be ready to follow the ball by moving down the touch line towards the corner flag if there is a direct shot on goal.

Gestures
As a general rule, the assistant referee must give no obvious hand signals.  However, in some instances, a discreet hand signal may give valuable support to the referee.  The hand signal should have a clear meaning. The meaning should have been discussed and agreed upon in the pre-match discussion.

Running technique
As a general rule, the assistant referee should face the pitch whilst running.  Side-to-side movement should be used for short distances.  This is especially important when judging offside and gives the assistant referee a better line of vision.

Signal beep
Referees are reminded that the signal beep system is an additional signal to be used only when necessary in order to gain the attention of the referee.

Situations when the signal beep is useful include:
• offside
• fouls (outside the view of the referee)
• throw-in, corner kick or goal kick (tight decisions)
• goal situations (tight decisions)

ASSISTANT REFEREE SIGNALS

The information above was adapted from the Ken Aston Referee Society web site (http://www.KenAston.org)

Flag technique and team work

The assistant referee’s flag must always be visible to the referee, unfurled and still whilst running.

When making a signal, the assistant referee must stop running, face the field of play, make eye contact with the referee and raise the flag with deliberate (not hasty or exaggerated) motions. The flag should be like an extension of the arm. 

The assistant referees must raise the flag using the hand that will also be used for the next signal in a sequence.  If circumstances change and the other hand must be used for the next signal, the assistant referee should move his flag to the opposite hand below the waist.

Whenever the assistant referee signals that the ball is out of play, he shall continue to signal until the referee acknowledges it.

Whenever the assistant referee signals for violent conduct and the signal is not seen immediately:
• if play has been stopped for disciplinary action to be taken, the restart must be in accordance with the Laws (free kick, penalty kick etc.)
• if play has already restarted, the referee may still take disciplinary action but not penalise the offence with a free kick of penalty kick

Throw-in
When the ball crosses the touch line near to the assistant referee’s position, he must make a direct signal to indicate the direction of the throw-in.

When the ball crosses the touch line far from the assistant referee’s position and the throw-in decision is an obvious one, the assistant referee must also make a direct signal to indicate the direction of the throw-in.

When the ball crosses the touch line far from the assistant referee’s position but the ball appears still to be in play or if the assistant referee is in any doubt, the assistant referee must raise his flag to inform the referee that the ball is out of play, make eye contact with the referee and follow the referee’s signal.

Corner kick / Goal kick
When the ball crosses the goal line near to the assistant referee’s position, he must make a direct signal with his right hand (better line of vision) to indicate whether it is a goal kick or a corner kick.

When the ball crosses the goal line near to the assistant referee’s position but the ball appears still to be in play, the assistant referee must first raise his flag to inform the referee that the ball is out of play, then indicate whether it is a goal kick or a corner kick.

When the ball crosses the goal line far from the assistant referee’s position, the assistant referee must raise his flag to inform the referee that the ball is out of play, make eye contact and follow the referee’s decision. The assistant referee may also make a direct signal if the decision is an obvious one.

Offside
The first action the assistant referee makes after an offside decision is to raise his flag. He then uses his flag to indicate the area of the pitch in which the offence occurred.

If the flag is not immediately seen by the referee, the assistant referee must keep signalling until it has been acknowledged or the ball is clearly in the control of the defending team.

The flag must be raised using the right hand, giving the assistant referee a better line of vision.

Substitution
When dealing with substitutions, the assistant referee must first be informed by the fourth official.  The assistant referee must then signal to the referee at the next stoppage in the match.  The assistant referee does not need to move to the halfway line as the fourth official carries out the substitution procedure.

If there is no fourth official, the assistant referee must assist with substitution procedures. In this case, the referee must wait until the assistant referee is back in position before restarting play. 

Fouls
The assistant referee must raise his flag when a foul or misconduct is committed in his immediate vicinity or out of the referee’s vision.  In all other situations, he must wait and offer his opinion if it is required.  If this is the case, the assistant referee must report what he has seen and heard and which players are involved to the referee.

Before signalling for an offence, the assistant referee must determine that:
• the offence was out of the view of the referee or the referee’s view was obstructed
• the referee would not have applied advantage if he had seen the offence

When a foul or misconduct is committed, the assistant referee must:
• raise his flag with the same hand that will also be used for the remainder of the signal, this gives the referee a clear indication as to who was fouled
• make eye contact with the referee
• give his flag a slight wave back and forth (avoiding any excessive or aggressive movement)
• use the electronic beep signal, if necessary

The assistant referee must use the “wait and see technique” in order to allow play to continue and not raise his flag when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from the advantage.  In this case, it is very important for the assistant referee to make eye contact with the referee.

Fouls outside the penalty area

When a foul is committed outside the penalty area (near the boundary of the penalty area), the assistant referee should make eye contact with the referee to see where the referee is positioned and what action he has taken. The assistant referee must stand in line with the
penalty area and raise his flag if necessary.

In counter-attack situations, the assistant referee should be able to give information such as whether or not a foul has been committed and whether a foul was committed inside or outside the penalty area, which is a priority in any case, and what disciplinary action must be taken.

Fouls inside the penalty area

When a foul is committed inside the penalty area out of the vision of the referee, especially if near to the assistant referee’s position, the assistant referee must first make eye contact with the referee to see where the referee is positioned and what action he has taken.  If the referee has not taken any action, the assistant referee must raise his flag and use the electronic beep signal and then visibly move down the touch line towards the corner flag.

Mass confrontation
In situations of mass confrontation, the nearest assistant referee may enter the field of play to assist the referee.  The other assistant referee must also observe and record details of the incident.

Consultation
When dealing with disciplinary issues, eye contact and a basic discreet hand signal from the assistant referee to the referee may be enough in some cases.

On occasions when direct consultation is required, the assistant referee may advance 2-3 metres onto the field of play if necessary.  When talking, the referee and assistant referee shall both turn to face the pitch to avoid being heard by others.

• An official's style should not interfere with the flow of the game, result in unclear communication of information to players or fellow officials, or cause undue attention to be drawn to the official and away from the match itself.

• Referees are reminded that the whistle is a tool of communication and not merely a convenient signalling device. Whistles should be selected carefully for the match conditions, age of players, and other factors. It is neither required nor expected that the whistle be used for all stoppages and restarts of play.

• A whistle demands attention and should be blown when such attention is needed. Uncontested stoppages (as when a ball clearly leaves the field) should not be whistled -- a voice and/or hand signal by the referee or a flag by the assistant referee will normally be sufficient.

• Referees should also be alert to the need for variations in the length, force, and tone of their use of a whistle to indicate different types of stoppages or different degrees of concern for the event that has just occurred.

• In the diagonal system of control, referees should take every opportunity of less activity on the field to make eye contact with each of the assistant referees, to confirm the location of players relative to the officials, and to observe portions of the field which may not have received recent attention.

• All referee hand signals are given with the arm straight at the indicated angle or direction, with the fingers fully extended. Assistant referee flag signals follow the same pattern, with the flag held as an extension of the arm.

• Referee, assistant referees, and fourth official are expected to be at the field at the time prescribed by the rules of competition, but at least 30 minutes prior to kick-off.

• Referee, assistant referees, and fourth official carefully inspect field to determine adequacy of markings, safety, and general playing conditions.
• Fourth official obtains and inspects the game balls.

• Referee, assistant referees, and fourth official discuss any special expectations, unusual field or match conditions, special rules of competition (e.g., substitutions, ties), and signals or procedures other than those described in this guide.

• Senior assistant referee or Referee and fourth official inspect player equipment and Team Sheet.

• Referee, assistant referees, and fourth official enter field together and move to centre of the field.
• Referee carries match ball, introduces officiating team to captains, and conducts coin toss.
• Assistant referees have flags furled.
• Officials record results of coin toss.
• Assistant referees perform final check of nets and move to touch lines to take the offside position.
• Fourth official goes to his position between the team benches and begins his administrative duties.

• Assistant referees unfurl flags and hold them straight down in view of the referee to signal readiness to start.

• Referee supervises the clearing of the field.
• Makes eye contact with each assistant referee and fourth official to ensure readiness.

• Referee reads the players' positioning to determine exactly where to stand, starts watch, and whistles for kick-off to start match.
• Assistant referees are in position with the second to last defender.

General Positioning

Referee

• Position flexible, using the diagonal system of control.
• Referee's discretion on choice of diagonal and degree of flexibility.

• Assistant referees in line with second to last defender or the ball, whichever is closer to the goal line.
• Flag held straight down and always visible to referee.
• Side-to-side movement, square to the field, unless speed is needed.
• Before signalling, stop, face field, and make eye contact with referee.

Goalkeeper Possession/Punt

Referee

• At the position to observe where the ball is anticipated to drop.

• Verifies the goalkeeper does not handle the ball outside of the penalty area.
• Follows the ball up field to cover offside (may begin moving earlier if obvious that the goalkeeper is not in a position to handle the ball outside the penalty area).

THROW-IN, REFEREE'S END OF TOUCH LINE

Referee

• Signals stoppage of play (whistle only if necessary).
• Points 45 degrees upward to indicate direction of throw-in.
• Indicates correct location for restart.
• Variable position, including where needed being ahead of the throw-in and off the field (over the touch line or goal line) if location is deep or throw is expected to be long.

• Signals with a vertical flag in the appropriate hand (if necessary.)
• Direction of throw-in indicated by the hand in which the flag is held.

THROW-IN, ASSISTANT REFEREE'S END OF TOUCH LINE

Referee

• Whistles to stop play only if necessary; points in direction of throw-in only if correction or confirmation needed.

• Signals with flag 45 degrees upward in the direction of the throw-in.
• If the ball passes out of play and immediately returns to the field, signals with a vertical flag until acknowledged by the referee, then flags in the direction of the throw-in.
• Drops flag when it is clear that restart and direction are established.
• Maintains the offside position, unless in the way of the thrower, if so moves slightly toward the goal.
• Supervises throw-in elements per pre-game instructions.

GOAL KICK

Referee

• Signals stoppage of play (whistle only if necessary.)
• Points to the goal area.
• Takes a position down the field near where the ball is likely to be played.

• Points flag horizontally toward goal area.
• If the ball passes out of play and immediately returns to the field, signals with a vertical flag until acknowledged by the referee, then points flag horizontally toward goal area.
• Moves to top of goal area to check for proper placement of ball.
• Moves to top of penalty area, when needed, to verify that ball is properly put into play and that attackers do not encroach into penalty area.
• If the keeper is taking the goal kick, moves to a position to judge offside.

CORNER KICK, REFEREE'S SIDE OF FIELD

Referee

• Signals stoppage of play (if necessary.)
• Points to the far corner.
• Ensures that the ball is properly placed within the corner arc.
• Deals with any failure to respect the required distance.

• Signals only if referee makes eye contact to ask for assistance.
• Moves to the near corner and takes position on the goal line behind the flag.
• If the ball passes out of play and immediately returns to the field, signals with a vertical flag until acknowledged by the referee, then points flag 45 degrees downward toward the near corner.

CORNER KICK, ASSISTANT REFEREE'S SIDE OF FIELD

Referee

• Whistles to stop the game, if necessary.
• Points 45 degrees upward toward the correct corner.

• Raises the flag vertically to get the referee's attention in cases where the ball left the field and quickly returned.
• Points the flag 45 degrees downward in the direction of the near corner.
• Ensures that the ball is properly placed.
• Takes a position even with the goal line, out of the way of players.
• Following the kick, recovers the offside position as quickly as possible.

GOAL

Referee

• Checks visually with the assistant referee.
• Points upfield to the centre circle.
• Backpedals toward centre circle and keeps players under observation.
• Prevents unnecessarily prolonged celebration.
• Intervenes in situations in which players or bench personnel confront assistant referees.
• Records goal when in position for kick-off.
• Makes eye contact with both assistant referees before signalling for the kick-off to occur.

• Checks visually with the referee.
• Runs a short distance up the touch line toward the halfway line to affirm to the referee that a goal has been scored
• Keeps moving to avoid confrontation if approached.
• Observes the resulting player behaviour and the actions in and around the penalty area.
• Takes up the offside position.
• Keeps players under observation at all times.
• Records the goal after the trail assistant referee has recorded it.

• Records the goal while the referee and lead assistant referee are returning to their positions for the restart.
• Observes players while the referee and lead assistant referee make notes.
• Keeps moving to avoid confrontation if approached.

• Controls the bench area and records goal.

GOAL, BALL COMES BACK INTO FIELD OF PLAY

• Looks to the assistant referee for assistance.

• Raises the flag vertically to get the referee's attention.
• When the referee stops play, puts flag straight down, runs a short distance up the touch line toward the halfway line.
• Follows the remaining mechanics for a goal.

OFFSIDE

Referee

• Acknowledges the assistant referee's signal by stopping play or by waving down the flag to indicate play should continue.
• If offside is called, gives an indirect free kick signal when it is appropriate to do so, indicates the restart.
• Holds the indirect free kick signal from the moment of the restart to when the ball is touched or played by another player or until play is stopped for another reason.

• Raises the flag vertically.
• If the referee misses the flag, stays at attention with the flag raised until the defense gains clear possession or until a goal kick or throw-in is awarded to the defense.
• Indicates the location of the offence by dropping the flag at an appropriate angle to a point in the field (far, middle, near side).

APPARENT GOAL TO BE DISALLOWED

Referee

• Stops the game, if necessary.
• Decides on action after considering information from the assistant referee.
• Signals the correct restart.
• Goes to the appropriate referee position for this restart.

• If the referee has stopped the game, stands in place.
• Signals the referee according to the situation.
  • If the scorer was offside at the moment the ball was passed to him, signals offside.
  • If there was a foul by an attacker, stands at attention with no flag signal.
  • If a player other than the scorer was in an offside position and, in the opinion of the assistant referee, was interfering with play or with an opponent, stands at attention with no flag signal.
• Assumes the proper position for the restart indicated by the referee.

FOULS OBSERVED BY THE REFEREE

Referee

• Stops the game with a whistle.
• Moves to the spot of the foul if necessary to prevent possible retaliation or misconduct.
• Makes eye contact with the lead assistant referee for assistance with determining if a defender inside the penalty area committed the infringement.
• Indicates the direction of the free kick.
• Ensures that the ball is properly placed.
• Allows a quick free kick, except where this is prevented or interfered with by an opponent's failure to respect the required distance.
• In cases where the restart is interfered with, clearly indicates that a separate signal is now required for the restart and then deals with the interference.
• If the kick is indirect, gives the appropriate hand signal for the restart, and holds the hand signal until the ball has been touched or played by another player or goes out of play.
• Signals for the restart.

• Responds to eye contact by the referee requesting assistance regarding the location of the foul either by making no discernible signal (to indicate that the infringement occurred outside the penalty area) or by holding the flag straight downward in front of the body (to indicate that the infringement was committed by the defense inside the penalty area).

FOULS NOT SEEN BY REFEREE BUT INDICATED BY LEAD ASSISTANT REFEREE

Referee

• Acknowledges the assistant referee's signal by stopping play, calling advantage, or waving down the signal to indicate that play should continue.
• If play is stopped for the foul, indicates the direction of the free kick and ensures that the free kick is taken properly.
• Confers with assistant referee, if necessary, to confirm the nature of the infringement (keeps field in view while moving to touch line and while conferring).

• Determines that the infringement was not or could not be seen by the referee.
• Signals with the flag raised vertically in the hand appropriate for the restart direction and, upon making eye contact with the referee, gives the flag a slight wave.
• If the referee stops play, signals with the flag held 45 degrees upward in the direction of the restart if the foul was committed by any player outside of the penalty area or by an attacker inside the penalty area.
• Moves directly to goal line to assume the position for a penalty kick if a defender inside the penalty area committed the foul.
• Indicates the location of the restart if necessary.

FOULS/MISCONDUCT INDICATED BY THE TRAIL ASSISTANT REFEREE

Referee

• Stops the game with a whistle.
• Confers with the trail assistant referee, if necessary, to determine nature of the occurrence. While moving to confer, referee keeps field in view.
• Deals with the incident as appropriate.
• Indicates the location and direction of the restart.
• Signals for the restart and ensures that the free kick is taken properly.

• Signals with the flag raised vertically and, upon making eye contact with the referee, gives the flag a slight wave.

• If the referee does not see the trail assistant referee's signal, the lead assistant referee mirrors the flag signal and, upon making eye contact with the referee, directs his attention to the trail assistant referee.

PLAY ON, ADVANTAGE APPLIED

Referee

• Declares distinctly "Play on!" or "Advantage!" and moves both hands forward in a sweeping motion at waist level.
• Avoids an advantage signal when an incident has been observed which is judged not to be a foul (or a trifling or doubtful foul).

PENALTY KICK

Referee

• Whistles to stop play.
• Points clearly to the penalty mark and, unless needed elsewhere for game control purposes, moves to the edge of the penalty area near the goal line to avoid confrontation and dissent.
• Deals with players who may attempt to protest or dispute the decision.
• Supervises the placement of the ball.
• Identifies the kicker.
• Moves to a position in line with the top of the goal area to supervise the penalty kick, far enough from the penalty mark to see all the players.
• When the ball and all the players are properly in position, signals for the kick to be taken.
• If a goal is scored, backpedals quickly up field keeping all the players under observation.

• Moves quickly to the intersection of the goal line and the penalty area and prepares for the duties assigned by the referee in the pre-game.
• If a goal is scored, resumes the position to judge offside, keeps players under observation, and follows the normal goal procedure.
• If play continues, quickly resumes the position to judge offside (cutting the corner of the field if necessary) and keeps play in view.

PENALTY KICK INDICATED BY THE LEAD ASSISTANT REFEREE

Referee

• Stops the game.
• Points clearly to the penalty mark.
• Follows the normal procedures for a penalty kick.

• Signals with a flag straight up.
• Upon making eye contact with the referee, gives the flag a slight wave.
• If referee stops game, assistant referee walks to the corner flag and stands in front of the flag.

MISCONDUCT-PLAY STOPPED

Referee

• Quickly identifies and begins moving toward offending player and beckons player to approach.
• Attempts to draw offending player away from teammates and opponents.
• Discourages others from approaching, interfering, or participating.
• Stops a reasonable distance away from offending player and begins recording necessary information.
• States clearly and concisely that the player is being cautioned or sent from the field and displays the appropriate card by holding it straight overhead.
• If the player is being sent off, delays the restart of play until the player has left the field entirely.
• In situations where the event or conduct being penalized includes the potential for retaliation or further misconduct, immediately moves to the location of the misconduct and displays the appropriate card before recording any information.

• Prevent others on or off the field from interfering with the referee's procedures.
• Record any pertinent information to assist with subsequent reporting of the misconduct.
• Monitor the departure from the field of a player sent off.

• Monitors the further removal from the area of the field (in accordance with the rules of the competition) of a player sent off.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Referee

• Indicates that the restart will be delayed for the substitution.
• When the player has left the field, beckons on the substitute.
• Adds time as appropriate for excessive delay in performing the substitution.

• Inspects substitute's equipment.
• Collects substitute's pass and substitution ticket and verifies the information.
• Informs near assistant referee of substitution request.
• Stands behind halfway line flag with substitute until referee signals for substitution.
• Displays numbers of players to be substituted.
• Prevents substitute from entering field until player being substituted has left the field.
• Records the game time of the substitution.

TIMING

Referee

• Makes eye contact with assistant referees for indication.

• Indicates last 5 minutes with appropriate number of fingers pointing downward against the background of the shorts.
• Time expired, closed fist on the shorts.
• If the referee has difficulty seeing this signal, moves the fist to the chest (arm across the chest).

END OF THE GAME

Referee

• Signals with the whistle.
• Points up field to the centre circle.
• Secures the game ball.
• Supervises the departure of the teams from the field.

• May secure the game ball if closer to it than the referee.
• Join the referee on the field.
• Flags are furled.

• Keep players and team officials under observation at all times.
• Leave the field as a team after the teams have departed or have otherwise ceased all competitive activities.

• Collects his equipment and proceeds to the locker room or joins the referee and assistant referees off the field.

Note: If you would like to learn more about refereeing and advice to referees on the Laws of the Game according to the Granville District Soccer Football Association rules, please contact the GDSRA Secretary.

LAW 7 – THE DURATION OF THE MATCH

Allowance for Time Lost

Many stoppages in play are entirely natural (e.g. throw-ins, goal kicks).  An allowance is to be made only when these delays are excessive.

The fourth official indicates the minimum additional time decided by the referee at the end of the final minute of each period of play.

The announcement of the additional time does not indicate the exact amount of time left in the match. The time may be increased if the referee considers it appropriate but never reduced.

The referee must not compensate for a timekeeping error during the first half by increasing or reducing the length of the second half.

The following conditions must be met for an offence to be considered a foul:

    • it must be committed by a player

    • it must occur on the field of play

    • it must occur while the ball is in play

If the referee stops play due to an offence committed outside the field of play (when the ball is in play), play must be restarted with a dropped ball from the position of the ball when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

“Careless” means that the player has shown a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or that he acted without precaution.

    • No further disciplinary sanction is needed if a foul is judged to be careless

“Reckless” means that the player has acted with complete disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, his opponent

    • A player who plays in a reckless manner must be cautioned.

“Using excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent.

    • A player who uses excessive force must be sent off.

The act of charging is a challenge for space using physical contact within playing distance of the ball without using arms or elbows.

It is an offence to charge an opponent:

    • in a careless manner

    • in a reckless manner

    • using excessive force

Holding an opponent includes the act of preventing him from moving past or around using the hands, the arms or the body.  Referees are reminded to make an early intervention and to deal firmly

with holding offences especially inside the penalty area at corner kicks and free kicks.

To deal with these situations:

    • the referee must warn any player holding an opponent before the ball is in play

    • caution the player if the holding continues before the ball is in play

    • award a direct free kick or penalty kick and caution the player if it happens once the ball is in play

If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding him inside the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick.

    • A caution for unsporting behaviour must be issued when a player holds an opponent to prevent him gaining possession of the ball or taking up an advantageous position

    • A player must be sent off if he denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by holding an opponent

    • No further disciplinary action must be taken in other situations of holding an opponent

    • Direct free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick) or a penalty kick if the offence occurred inside the penalty area.

Handling the ball involves a deliberate act of a player making contact with the ball with his hand or arm. The referee must take the following into consideration:

    • the movement of the hand towards the ball (not the ball towards the hand)

    • the distance between the opponent and the ball (unexpected ball)

    • the position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is an infringement

    • touching the ball with an object held in the hand (clothing, shinguard etc.) counts as an infringement

    • hitting the ball with a thrown object (boot, shinguard etc.) counts as an infringement

There are circumstances when a caution for unsporting behaviour is required when a player deliberately handles the ball, e.g. when a player:

    • deliberately and blatantly handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession

    • attempts to score a goal by deliberately handling the ball

A player is sent off, however, if he prevents a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball.  This punishment arises not from the act of the player deliberately handling the ball but from the unacceptable and unfair intervention that prevented a goal being scored.

    • Direct free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick) or penalty kick

Outside his own penalty area, the goalkeeper has the same restrictions on handling the ball as does any other player.  Inside his own penalty area, the goalkeeper cannot be guilty of a handling offence incurring a direct free kick or any misconduct related to handling the ball.  He can, however, be guilty of several handling offences that incur an indirect free kick.

A goalkeeper is not permitted to keep control of the ball in his hands for more than six seconds.  A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball:

    • while the ball is between his hands or between his hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body)

    • while holding the ball in his outstretched open hand

    • while in the act of bouncing it on the ground or tossing it into the air

When a goalkeeper has gained possession of the ball with his hands, he cannot be challenged by an opponent.

A goalkeeper is not permitted to touch the ball with his hand inside his own penalty area in the following circumstances:

    • if he handles the ball again after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player:

        – the goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hands or arms except if the ball rebounds accidentally from him, for example, after he has made a save

        – possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball

    • if he touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate

    • if he touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate

    • Indirect free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick)

    • It is an offence for a player to prevent a goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands

    • A player must be penalised for playing in a dangerous manner if he kicks or attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it

    • It is an offence to restrict the movement of the goalkeeper by unfairly impeding him, e.g. at the taking of a corner kick

Playing in a dangerous manner is defined as any action that, while trying to play the ball, threatens injury to someone (including the player himself). It is committed with an opponent nearby and prevents the opponent from playing the ball for fear of injury.

A scissors or bicycle kick is permissible provided that, in the opinion of the referee, it is not dangerous to an opponent.

Playing in a dangerous manner involves no physical contact between the players. If there is physical contact, the action becomes an offence punishable with a direct free kick or penalty kick.  In the case of physical contact, the referee should carefully consider the high probability that misconduct has also been committed.

    • If a player plays in a dangerous manner in a “normal” challenge, the referee should not take any disciplinary action.  If the action is made with obvious risk of injury, the referee should caution the player

    • If a player denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by playing in a dangerous manner, the referee should send off the player

    • Indirect free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick)

    • If there is contact, a different offence has been committed, punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick.

Impeding the progress of an opponent means moving into the path of the opponent to obstruct, block, slow down or force a change of direction by an opponent when the ball is not within playing distance

of either player. 

All players have a right to their position on the field of play, being in the way of an opponent is not the same as moving into the way of an opponent.

Shielding the ball is permitted.  A player who places himself between an opponent and the ball for tactical reasons has not committed an offence as long as the ball is kept within playing distance and the

player does not hold off the opponent with his arms or body.  If the ball is within playing distance, the player may be fairly charged by an opponent.

Once the referee has decided to issue a card, whether to caution or send off a player, play must not be restarted until the sanction has been administered.

Cautions for unsporting behaviour

There are different circumstances when a player must be cautioned
for unsporting behaviour, e.g. if a player:
• commits in a reckless manner one of the seven offences that incur a direct free kick
• commits a foul for the tactical purpose of interfering with or breaking up a promising attack
• holds an opponent for the tactical purpose of pulling the opponent away from the ball or preventing the opponent from getting to the ball
• handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession or developing an attack (other than the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
• handles the ball in an attempt to score a goal (irrespective of whether or not the attempt is successful).
• attempts to deceive the referee by feigning injury or pretending to have been fouled (simulation)
• changes places with the goalkeeper during play or without the referee’s permission
• acts in a manner which shows a lack of respect for the game
• plays the ball when he is walking off the field of play after being granted permission to leave the field of play
• verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart
• makes unauthorised marks on the field of play
• uses a deliberate trick while the ball is in play to pass the ball to his own goalkeeper with his head, chest, knee etc. in order to circumvent the Law, irrespective of whether the goalkeeper touches the ball with his hands or not.  The offence is committed by the player in attempting to circumvent both the letter and the spirit of Law 12 and play is restarted with an indirect free kick
• uses a deliberate trick to pass the ball to his own goalkeeper to circumvent the Law while he is taking a free kick (after the player is cautioned, the free kick must be retaken)

Procedure

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.

A free kick can be taken by lifting the ball with a foot or both feet simultaneously.

Feinting to take a free kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football. However, if in the opinion of the referee, the feinting is considered an act of unsporting behaviour, the player must be cautioned.

If a player, while correctly taking a free kick, intentionally kicks the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referee must allow play to continue.

An indirect free kick must be retaken if the referee fails to raise his arm to indicate that the kick is indirect and the ball is kicked directly into the goal. The initial indirect free kick is not nullified by the referee’s mistake.

Distance

If a player decides to take a free kick quickly and an opponent who is less than 9.15 m from the ball intercepts it, the referee must allow play to continue.

If a player decides to take a free kick quickly and an opponent who is near the ball deliberately prevents him taking the kick, the referee must caution the player for delaying the  restart of play.

If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty area, one or more opponents remain inside the penalty area because the defender decides to take the kick quickly and the opponents did not have time to leave the penalty area, the referee must allow play to continue.