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Law changes / 3rd party timing and clock stopping [WANTED]

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 31, 2025, 03:34:33 pm »

One of the law changes that I have been advocating for over the last 8-10 years is
stopping the clock when the ball is not in play.

This would instantly negate most time-wasting, remove the need for added time and probably lead
to the ball being in play a lot more than it is at the moment.

Currently in the English Premier League the average amount of time that the ball is in play
is 58 minutes and 37 seconds which has increased by about 3 minutes from the previous season.

So even if the halves were reduced to 35 minutes and the clock stopped when the ball is NOT in play
it would increase the amout of time the ball is in play by about 10-12 minutes!

The Laws / Law 1: The Field of Play

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 31, 2025, 03:14:55 pm »

THE FIELD of PLAY

1. Field surface

The field of play must be a wholly natural or, if competition rules permit, a wholly artificial playing surface except
where competition rules permit an integrated combination of artificial and natural materials (hybrid system).

The colour of artificial surfaces must be green.

Where artificial surfaces are used in competition matches between representative teams of national football associations affiliated
to FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality
Programme for Football Turf or the International Match Standard, unless special dispensation is given by The IFAB.

2. Field markings
The field of play must be rectangular and marked with continuous lines which must not be dangerous;
artificial playing surface material may be used for the field markings on natural fields if it is not dangerous.
These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.

Only the lines indicated in Law 1 are to be marked on the field of play.
Where artificial surfaces are used, other lines are permitted provided they are a different colour and clearly distinguishable from the football lines.

The two longer boundary lines are touchlines. The two shorter lines are goal lines.

The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which joins the midpoint of the two touchlines.

The centre mark is at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 9.15m (10yds) is marked around it.

The Laws / Law 2: The Ball

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 31, 2025, 03:12:23 pm »

THE BALL

1. Qualities and Measurements

All balls must be:

spherical
made of suitable material
of a circumference of between 68 cm (27 ins) and 70 cm (28 ins)
between 410 g (14 oz) and 450 g (16 oz) in weight at the start of the match
of a pressure equal to 0.6 – 1.1 atmosphere (600 – 1,100g/cm2) at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq in – 15.6 lbs/sq in)

All balls used in matches played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA or confederations
must meet the requirements and bear one of the marks of the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs.

Each mark indicates that it has been officially tested and meets the specific technical requirements for that mark
which are additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2 and must be approved by The IFAB.

National FA competitions may require the use of balls bearing one of these marks.

In matches played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, confederations or national football associations,
no form of commercial advertising is permitted on the ball, except for the logo/emblem of the competition,
the competition organiser and the authorised manufacturer’s trademark.
The competition regulations may restrict the size and number of such markings.

2. Replacement of a defective ball

If the ball becomes defective:

play is stopped and
restarted with a dropped ball

If the ball becomes defective at a kick-off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in, the restart is re-taken.

If the ball becomes defective during a penalty kick or penalties (penalty shoot-out) as it moves forward and
before it touches a player, crossbar or goalposts the penalty kick is retaken.

The ball may not be changed during the match without the referee’s permission.

3. Additional Balls

Additional balls which meet the requirements of Law 2 may be placed around the field of play and their use is under the referee’s control

The Laws / Law 3: The Players

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 31, 2025, 03:09:05 pm »

THE PLAYERS

1. Number of Players
A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of eleven players; one must be the goalkeeper.
A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players.

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 play and the advantage may be played,
but the match must not resume after the ball has gone out of play if a team does not have the minimum number of seven players.

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

2. Number of substitutions

OFFICIAL COMPETITIONS

The number of substitutes, up to a maximum of five, which may be used in any match played in an official competition
will be determined by FIFA, the confederation or the national football association.
For men's and women's competitions involving the 1st teams of clubs in the top division or senior ‘A’ international
teams where competition rules permit a maximum of five substitutes to be used, each team:

has a maximum of three substitution opportunities*
may additionally make substitutions at half-time

*Where both teams make a substitution at the same time, this will count as a used substitution opportunity for both teams.
Multiple substitutions (and requests) by a team during the same stoppage in play count as one used substitution opportunity.

EXTRA TIME

If a team has not used the maximum number of substitutes and/or substitution opportunities,
any unused substitutes and substitution opportunities may be used in extra time
Where competition rules permit teams to use one additional substitute in extra time, each team will have one additional substitution opportunity
Substitutions may also be made in the period between full-time and the start of extra time,
and at half-time in extra time – these do not count as used substitution opportunities

The competition rules must state:

how many substitutes may be named, from three to a maximum of fifteen
whether one additional substitute may be used when a match goes into extra time
(whether or not the team has already used the full number of permitted substitutes)

OTHER MATCHES

In senior 'A' international team matches, a maximum of fifteen substitutes may be named of
which a maximum of six may be used.

In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used provided that:

the teams reach agreement on a maximum number
the referee is informed before the match

If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the match, each team is allowed a maximum of six substitutes.

RETURN SUBSTITUTIONS

The use of return substitutions is only permitted in youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football,
subject to the agreement of the national football association, confederation or FIFA.

ADDITIONAL PERMANENT CONCUSSION SUBSTITUTIONS

Competitions may use additional permanent concussion substitutions in accordance with the protocol listed under ‘Notes and modifications’.

3. Substitution procedure
The names of the substitutes must be given to the referee before the start of the match.
Any substitute not named by this time may not take part in the match.

To replace a player with a substitute, the following must be observed:

the referee must be informed before any substitution is made
the player being substituted
receives the referee’s permission to leave the field of play, unless already off the field, and must leave by the nearest point
on the boundary line unless the referee indicates that the player may leave directly and immediately at the
halfway line or another point (e.g. for safety/security or injury)
must go immediately to the technical area or dressing room and takes no further part in the match,
except where return substitutions are permitted
if a player who is to be substituted refuses to leave, play continues

The substitute only enters:

during a stoppage in play
at the halfway line
after the player being replaced has left
after receiving a signal from the referee

The substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play;
from that moment, the replaced player becomes a substituted player and the substitute becomes a player and can take any restart.

All substituted players and substitutes are subject to the referee’s authority whether they play or not.

4. Changing the goalkeeper
Any of the players may change places with the goalkeeper if:

the referee is informed before the change is made
the change is made during a stoppage in play

5. Offences and sanctions

If a named substitute starts a match instead of a named player and the referee is not informed of this change:

the referee allows the named substitute to continue playing
no disciplinary sanction is taken against the named substitute
the named player can become a named substitute
the number of substitutions is not reduced
the referee reports the incident to the appropriate authorities

If a substitution is made during the half-time interval or before extra time,
the procedure must be completed before the match restarts.
If the referee is not informed, the named substitute may continue to play,
no disciplinary action is taken and the matter is reported to the appropriate authorities.

If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee’s permission, the referee:

allows play to continue
cautions both players when the ball is next out of play but not if the change occurred during half-time
(including half time of extra time) or the period between the end of the match and the
start of extra time and/or penalties (penalty shoot-out).

For any other offences:

the players are cautioned
play is restarted with an indirect free kick, from the position of the ball when play was stopped

6. Players and substitutes sent off
A player who is sent off:

before submission of the team list can not be named on the team list in any capacity
after being named on the team list and before kick-off may be replaced by a named substitute,
who can not be replaced; the number of substitutions the team can make is not reduced
after the kick-off cannot be replaced

A named substitute who is sent off before or after the kick-off may not be replaced.

7. Extra persons on the field of play

The coach and other officials named on the team list (with the exception of players or substitutes) are team officials. Anyone not named on the team list as a player, substitute or team official is an outside agent.

If a team official, substitute, substituted or sent-off player or outside agent enters the field of play the referee must:

only stop play if there is interference with play
have the person removed when play stops
take appropriate disciplinary action

If play is stopped and the interference was by:

a team official, substitute, substituted or sent-off player, play restarts with a direct free kick or penalty kick
an outside agent, play restarts with a dropped ball

If a ball is going into the goal and the interference does not prevent a defending player playing the ball,
the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal (even if contact was made with the ball) unless
the interference was by the attacking team.

8. Player outside the field of play

If a player who requires the referee's permission to re-enter the field of play re-enters without the referee's permission, the referee must:

stop play (not immediately if the player does not interfere with play or a match official or if the advantage can be applied)
caution the player for entering the field of play without permission

If the referee stops play, it must be restarted:

with a direct free kick from the position of the interference
with an indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped if there was no interference

A player who crosses a boundary line as part of a playing movement, does not commit an offence.

9. Goal scored with an extra person on the field of play

If, after a goal is scored, the referee realises, before play restarts, an extra person was on the field of play
when the goal was scored, and that person interfered with play:

the referee must disallow the goal if the extra person was:
a player, substitute, substituted player, sent-off player or team official of the team that scored the goal;
play is restarted with a direct free kick from the position of the extra person
an outside agent who interfered with play unless a goal results as outlined above in ‘extra persons on the field of play’;
play is restarted with a dropped ball
the referee must allow the goal if the extra person was:
a player, substitute, substituted player, sent-off player or team official of the team that conceded the goal
an outside agent who did not interfere with play

In all cases, the referee must have the extra person removed from the field of play.

If, after a goal is scored and play has restarted, the referee realises an extra person was on the field
of play when the goal was scored, the goal can not be disallowed.
If the extra person is still on the field the referee must:

stop play
have the extra person removed
restart with a dropped ball or free kick as appropriate

The referee must report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

10. Team Captain

Each team must have a captain on the field of play who wears an identifying armband.
The team captain has no special status or privileges but has a degree of responsibility for the behaviour of the team.

The Laws / Law 4: The Players Equipment

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 31, 2025, 12:39:43 am »

THE PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

1. Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.

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

The players must be inspected before the start of the match and substitutes before they enter the field of play.
If a player is wearing or using unauthorised/dangerous equipment or jewellery the referee must order the player to:

remove the item
leave the field of play at the next stoppage if the player is unable or unwilling to comply

A player who refuses to comply or wears the item again must be cautioned.

2. Compulsory equipment
The compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items:

a shirt with sleeves
shorts
socks – tape or any material applied or worn externally must be the same colour as that part of the sock it is applied to or covers
shinguards – these must be made of a suitable material and be of an appropriate size to provide reasonable
protection and be covered by the socks. Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shinguards
footwear

The team captain must wear the armband issued or authorised by the relevant competition organiser, or a
single-coloured armband that may also have the word ‘captain’ or the letter ‘C’ or a translation thereof,
which should also be a single colour (see also ‘General modifications’).

A player whose footwear or shinguard is lost accidentally must replace it as soon as possible and no later than when the ball next goes out of play;
if before doing so the player plays the ball and/or scores a goal, the goal is awarded.

3. Colours

The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and the match officials
Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players and the match officials
If the two goalkeepers’ shirts are the same colour and neither has another shirt, the referee allows the match to be played.

Undershirts must be:

a single colour which is the same colour as the main colour of the shirt sleeve; or
a pattern/colours which exactly replicate(s) the shirt sleeve

Undershorts/tights must be the same colour as the main colour of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts
– players of the same team must wear the same colour.

4. Other equipment
Non-dangerous protective equipment, for example gloves, headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft,
lightweight padded material is permitted as are goalkeepers’ caps and sports spectacles.
Goalkeepers may wear tracksuit bottoms.

Head Covers

Where head covers (excluding goalkeepers' caps) are worn, they must:

be black or the same main colour as the shirt (provided that the players of the same team wear the same colour)
be in keeping with the professional appearance of the player’s equipment
not be attached to the shirt
not be dangerous to the player wearing it or any other player (e.g. opening/closing mechanism around neck)
not have any part(s) extending out from the surface (protruding elements)

Electronic communication

Players (including substitutes/substituted and sent-off players) are not permitted to wear
or use any for of electronic communication equipment (except where EPTS is allowed).
The use of any form of electronic communication by team officials is permitted where it directly relates to player welfare
or safety or for tactical/coaching reasons but only small, mobile, hand-held equipment
(e.g. microphone, headphone, earphone, ear-piece, mobile phone/smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, laptop) may be used.
A team official who uses unauthorised equipment or who behaves in an inappropriate manner as a
result of the use of electronic or communication equipment will be sent off.

Electronic perfomance and tracking systems (EPTS)

Where wearable technology (WT) as part of electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) is used in matches
played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, confederations or national football associations,
the competition organiser must ensure that the technology attached to the players’ equipment is not dangerous
and meets the requirements for wearable EPTS under the FIFA Quality Programme for EPTS.

Where EPTS are provided by the match or competition organiser,
it is the responsibility of that match or competition organiser to ensure that the information and data transmitted
from EPTS to the technical area during matches played in an official competition are reliable and accurate.

The FIFA Quality Programme for EPTS supports competition organisers with the approval process
of reliable and accurate electronic performance and tracking systems.

5. Slogans, statements, images and advertising

Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.
Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans,
statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer's logo.
For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.

Principles

Law 4 applies to all equipment (including clothing) worn by players, substitutes and substituted players;
it's principles also apply to all team officials in the technical area
The following are (usually) permitted:
the player's number, name, team crest/logo, initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football,
respect and integrity as well as any advertising permitted by competition rules or national FA,
confederation or FIFA regulations
the facts of a match: teams, date, competition/event, venue
Permitted slogans, statements or images should be confined to the shirt front and/or armband
In some cases, the slogan, statement or image might only appear on the captain's armband

Interpreting the Law

When interpreting whether a slogan, statement or image is permissible, note should be taken of Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct),
which requires the referee to take action against a player who is guilty of:

using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or action(s)
acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way

Any slogan, statement or image which falls into any of these categories is not permitted.

Whilst 'religious' and 'personal' are relatively easily defined, 'political' is less clear but slogans,
statements or images related to the following are not permitted:

any person(s), living or dead (unless part of the official competition name)
any local, regional, national or international political party/organisation/group, etc.
any local, regional or national government or any of its departments, offices or functions
any organisation which is discriminatory
any organisation whose aims/actions are likely to offend a notable number of people
any specific political act/event

When commemorating a significant national or international event, the sensibilities of the opposing team
(including its supporters) and the general public should be carefully considered.

Competition rules may contain further restrictions/limitations, particularly in relation to the size,
number and position of permitted slogans, statements and images.
It is recommended that disputes relating to slogans, statements or images be resolved prior to a match/competition taking place.

6. Offences and sanctions
For any offence play need not be stopped and the player:

is instructed by the referee to leave the field of play to correct the equipment
leaves when play stops, unless the equipment has already been corrected

A player who leaves the field of play to correct or change equipment must:

have the equipment checked by a match official before being allowed to re-enter
only re-enter with the referee’s permission (which may be given during play)

A player who enters without permission must be cautioned and if play is stopped to issue the caution,
an indirect free kick is awarded from the position of the ball when play was stopped,
unless there was interference in which case a direct free kick (or penalty kick) is awarded from the position of the interference.

The Laws / Law 5: The Referee

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 31, 2025, 12:26:54 am »

THE REFEREE

1. The authority of the referee

Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match.

2. Decisions of the referee

Decisions will be made to the best of the referee's ability according to the Laws of the Game and the 'spirit of the game'
and will be based on the opinion of the referee who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the
framework of the Laws of the Game.

The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.
The decisions of the referee, and all other match officials, must always be respected.

The referee may not change a restart decision on realising that it is incorrect or on the advice of another match official if play
has restarted or the referee has signalled the end of the first or second half (including extra time) and left the field of play or abandoned the match.
However, if at the end of the half, the referee leaves the field of play to go to the referee review area (RRA) or to instruct the players to
return to the field of play, this does not prevent a decision being changed for an incident which occurred before the end of the half.

Except as outlined in Law 12.3 and the VAR protocol, a disciplinary sanction may only be issued after play has restarted if
another match official had identified and attempted to communicate the offence to the referee before play restarted;
the restart associated with the sanction does not apply.

If a referee is incapacitated, play may continue under the supervision of the other match officials until the ball is next out of play.

3. Powers and duties
The referee:

enforces the Laws of the Game
controls the match in cooperation with the other match officials
acts as timekeeper, keeps a record of the match and provides the appropriate authorities with a match report,
including information on disciplinary action and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the match
supervises and/or indicates the restart of play

ADVANTAGE

allows play to continue when an offence occurs and the non-offending team will benefit from the advantage and
penalises the offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time or within a few seconds

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

punishes the more serious offence, in terms of sanction, restart, physical severity and tactical impact,
when more than one offence occurs at the same time
takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences
has the authority to take disciplinary action from entering the field of play for the pre-match inspection until leaving
the field of play after the match ends (including penalties (penalty shoot-out)).
If, before entering the field of play at the start of the match, a player commits a sending-off offence,
the referee has the authority to prevent the player taking part in the match (see Law 3.6);
the referee will report any other misconduct
has the power to show yellow or red cards and, where competition rules permit, temporarily dismiss a player,
from entering the field of play at the start of the match until after the match has ended,
including during the half-time interval, extra time and penalties (penalty shoot-out).
takes action against team officials who fail to act in a responsible manner and warns or shows a yellow card for a caution or
a red card for a sending-off from the field of play and its immediate surrounds,
including the technical area; if the offender cannot be identified, the senior coach present in the technical area will receive the sanction.
A medical team official who commits a sending-off offence may remain if the team has no other medical person available,
and act if a player needs medical attention
acts on the advice of other match officials regarding incidents that the referee has not seen

INJURIES

allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is only slightly injured
stops play if a player is seriously injured and ensures that the player is removed from the field of play.
An injured player may not be treated on the field of play and may only re-enter after play has restarted;
if the ball is in play, re-entry must be from the touchline but if the ball is out of play,
it may be from any boundary line. Exceptions to the requirement to leave the field of play are only when:
a goalkeeper is injured
a goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and need attention
players from the same team have collided and need attention
a severe injury has occurred
a player is injured as the result of a physical offence for which the opponent is cautioned or sent off
(e.g. reckless or serious foul challenge), if the assessment/treatment is completed quickly
a penalty kick has been awarded and the injured player will be the kicker
ensures that any player bleeding leaves the field of play. The player may only re-enter on receiving a signal from the referee,
who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped and there is no blood on the equipment
if the referee has authorised the doctors and /or stretcher bearers to enter the field of play, the player must leave on a stretcher or on foot.
A player who does not comply, must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour
if the referee has decided to caution or send off a player who is injured and has to leave the field of play for treatment,
the card must be shown before the player leaves
if play has not been stopped for another reason, or if an injury suffered by a player is not the result of an offence,
play is restarted with a dropped ball

OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE

stops, suspends or abandons the match for any offences or because of outside interference e.g. if:
the floodlights are inadequate
an object thrown by a spectator hits a match official, a player or team official, the referee may allow the match to
continue, or stop, suspend or abandon it depending on the severity of the incident
a spectator blows a whistle which interferes with play - play is stopped and restarted with a dropped ball
an extra ball, other object or animal enters the field of play during the match, the referee must:
stop play (and restart with a dropped ball) only if it interferes with play unless the ball is going into the goal and the interference
does not prevent a defending player playing the ball, the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal
(even if contact was made with the ball) unless unless the interference was by the attacking team
allow play to continue if it does not interfere with play and have it removed at the earliest possible opportunity
allows no unauthorised persons to enter the field of play

4. Video assistant referee (VAR)

The use of video assistant referees (VARs) is only permitted where the match/competition organiser has fulfilled all
Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP) requirements as set out in FIFA's IAAP documents,
and has received written permission from FIFA.

The referee may be assisted by a video assistant referee (VAR) only in the event of a
'clear and obvious error' or 'serious missed incident' in relation to:

goal/no goal
penalty/no penalty
direct red card (not second caution)
mistaken identity when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player of the offending team

The assistance from the video assistant referee (VAR) will relate to using replay(s) of the incident.
The referee will make the final decision which may be based solely on the information from the
VAR and/or the referee reviewing the replay footage directly ('on-field review').

Except for a 'serious missed incident' the referee (and where relevant other 'on-field', match officials) must always make a decision
(including a decision not to penalise a potential offence); this decision does not change unless it is a 'clear and obvious error'.

REVIEWS AFTER PLAY HAS RESTARTED

If play has stopped and restarted, the referee may only undertake a 'review', and take the appropriate disciplinary sanction,
for mistaken identity or for a potential sending off offence relating to violent conduct, spitting,
biting or extremely offensive, insulting and/or abusive action(s).

5. Referee's Equipment
COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT

Whistle(s)
Watch(es)
Red and yellow cards
Notebook (or other means of keeping a record of the match)

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Referees may be permitted to use:

Equipment for communicating with other match officials – buzzer/bleep flags, headsets etc.
EPTS or other fitness monitoring equipment

Referees and other 'on-field' match officials are prohibited from wearing jewellery or electronic equipment, including cameras.

6. Referee signals

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7. Liability of Match Officials
A referee or other match official is not held liable for:

any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator
any damage to property of any kind
any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body,
which is due or which may be due to any decision taken under the terms of the Laws of the Game
or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match.

Such decisions may include a decision:

that the condition of the field of play or its surrounds or that the weather conditions are such as to
allow or not to allow a match to take place
to abandon a match for whatever reason
as to the suitability of the field equipment and ball used during a match
to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference or any problem in spectator areas
to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player to be removed from the field of play for treatment
to require an injured player to be removed from the field of play for treatment
to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain clothing or equipment
where the referee has the authority, to allow or not to allow any persons (including team or stadium officials,
security officers, photographers or other media representatives) to be present in the vicinity of the field of play
any other decision taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game or in conformity with their duties under the terms of FIFA,
confederation, national football association or competition rules or regulations under which the match is played.

The Laws / Law 6: The Other Match Officials

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 31, 2025, 12:09:14 am »

THE OTHER MATCH OFFICIALS

Other match officials (two assistant referees, a fourth official, two additional assistant referees, a reserve assistant referee,
a video assistant referee (VAR) and at least one assistant VAR (AVAR)) may be appointed to matches.
They will assist the referee in controlling the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game but the final decision will always be taken by the referee.

The referee, assistant referees, fourth official, additional assistant referees and reserve assistant referee are the 'on-field' match officials.

The VAR and AVAR are the ‘video’ match officials (VMOs) and assist the referee in accordance with the Laws of the Game and the VAR protocol.

The match officials operate under the direction of the referee. In the event of undue interference or improper conduct,
the referee will relieve them of their duties and make a report to the appropriate authorities.

The other 'on-field' match officials assist the referee with offences when they have a clearer view than the referee
and they must submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any serious misconduct or other incident that
occurred out of the view of the referee and the other match officials.
They must advise the referee and other match officials of any report being made.

The 'on-field' match officials assist the referee with inspecting the field of play, the balls and players’ equipment
(including if problems have been resolved) and maintaining records of time, goals, misconduct etc.

Competition rules must state clearly who replaces a match official who is unable to start or continue and any associated changes.
In particular, it must be clear whether, if the referee is unable to start or continue, the fourth official or
the senior assistant referee or senior additional assistant referee takes over

1. Assistant referees
They indicate when:

the whole of the ball leaves the field of play and which team is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in
a player in an offside position may be penalised
a substitution is requested
at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and if the ball crosses the line;
if additional assistant referees have been appointed the assistant referee takes a position in line with the penalty mark

The assistant referee’s assistance also includes monitoring the substitution procedure.

The assistant referee may enter the field of play to help control the 9.15m (10 yards) distance.

2. Fourth official
The fourth official’s assistance also includes:

supervising the substitution procedure
checking a player’s/substitute’s equipment
the re-entry of a player following a signal/approval from the referee
supervising the replacement balls
indicating the minimum amount of additional time the referee intends to play at the end of each half (including extra time)
informing the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any technical area occupant.

3. Additional assistant referees
The additional assistant referees may indicate:

when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, including when a goal is scored
which team is entitled to a corner kick or goal kick
whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and if the ball crosses the line

4. Reserve assistant referee

A reserve assistant referee may replace an assistant referee, fourth official or additional assistant referee who
is unable to continue, and may also assist the referee in the same way as the other ‘on-field’ match officials.

5. Video match officials

A video assistant referee (VAR) is a match official who may assist the referee to make a decision using replay footage only
for a 'clear and obvious error' or 'serious missed incident' relating to a goal/no goal, penalty/no penalty, direct red card (not a second caution)
or a case of mistaken identity when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player of the offending team

An assistant video assistant referee (AVAR) is a match official who helps the VAR primarily by:

watching the television footage while the VAR is busy with a 'check' or a 'review'
keeping a record of VAR-related incidents and any communication or technology problems
assisting the VAR's communication with the referee, especially communicating with the referee when the
VAR is undertaking a 'check'/'review' e.g. to tell the referee to 'stop play' or 'delay the restart' etc.
recording time 'lost' when play is delayed for a 'check' or a 'review'
communicating information about a VAR-related decision to relevant parties

Assistant referee signals

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The Laws / Law 7: The Duration of the Match

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 31, 2025, 12:00:41 am »

THE DURATION OF THE MATCH

1. Periods of play

A match lasts for two equal halves of 45 minutes which may only be reduced if agreed between the referee
and the two teams before the start of the match and is in accordance with competition rules.

2. Half-time interval

Players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes; a short drinks break
(which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at the interval of half-time in extra time.
Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval and it may be altered only with the referee’s permission.

3. Allowance for time lost
Allowance is made by the referee in each half for all playing time lost in that half through:

substitutions
assessment and/or removal of injured players
wasting time
disciplinary sanctions
medical stoppages permitted by competition rules e.g. ‘drinks’ breaks (which should not exceed one minute)
and ‘cooling’ breaks (ninety seconds to three minutes)
delays relating to VAR 'checks' and 'reviews'
goal celebrations
any other cause, including any significant delay to a restart (e.g. due to interference by an outside agent)

The fourth official indicates the minimum additional time decided by the referee at the end of the final minute of each half.
The additional time may be increased by the referee but not reduced.

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

4. Penalty kick

If a penalty kick has to be taken or retaken, the half is extended until the penalty kick is completed.

5. Abandoned match

An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules or organisers determine otherwise.

The Laws / Law 8: The Start and Re-Start of Play

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 30, 2025, 11:56:42 pm »

START AND RE-START OF PLAY

A kick-off starts both halves of a match, both halves of extra time and restarts play after a goal has been scored.
Free kicks (direct or indirect), penalty kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks are other restarts (see Laws 13 – 17).
A dropped ball is the restart when the referee stops play and the Law does not require one of the above restarts.

If an offence occurs when the ball is not in play this does not change how play is restarted.

1. Kick off
PROCEDURE

the referee tosses a coin and the team that wins the toss decides which goal to attack in the first half or to take the kick-off
depending on the above, their opponents take the kick-off or decide which goal to attack in the first half
the team that decided which goal to attack in the first half takes the kick-off to start the second half
for the second half, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals
after a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by their opponents

For every kick-off:

all players, except the player taking the kick off, must be in their own half of the field of play
the opponents of the team taking the kick-off must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play
the ball must be stationary on the centre mark
the referee gives a signal
the ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves
a goal may be scored directly against the opponents from the kick-off; if the ball directly enters the kicker's goal,
a corner kick is awarded to the opponents

OFFENCES AND SANCTIONS

If the player taking the kick-off touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick,
or for a handball offence, a direct free kick is awarded.

In the event of any other infringement of the kick-off procedure the kick-off is retaken.

2. Dropped ball

PROCEDURE

The ball is dropped for the defending team goalkeeper in their penalty area if, when play was stopped:
the ball was in the penalty area or
the last touch of the ball was in the penalty area
In all other cases, the referee drops the ball for one player of the team that last touched the ball at the position where
it last touched a player, an outside agent or, as outlined in Law 9.1, a match official
All other players (of both teams) must remain at least 4 m (4.5 yds) from the ball until it is in play

The ball is in play when it touches the ground.

OFFENCES AND SANCTIONS

The ball is dropped again if it:

touches a player before it touches the ground
leaves the field of play after it touches the ground, without touching a player

If a dropped ball enters the goal without touching at least two players play is restarted with:

a goal kick if it enters the opponents’ goal
a corner kick if it enters the team’s goal

The Laws / Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play

« Last post by Dazoctaron on January 30, 2025, 11:50:32 pm »

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

1. Ball out of play
The ball is out of play when:

it has wholly passed over the goal line or touchline on the ground or in the air
play has been stopped by the referee
it touches a match official, remains on the field of play and:
a team starts a promising attack or
the ball goes directly into the goal or
the team in possession of the ball changes

In all these cases, play is restarted with a dropped ball.

2. Ball in play

The ball is in play at all other times when it touches a match official and when it rebounds off a goalpost,
crossbar or corner flagpost and remains on the field of play.