Laws of the Game 2017/18static-3eb8.kxcdn.com/documents/239/133928_110417... · 2017. 4. 11. · The International Football Association Board 1 Laws of the Game 2017/18 Law changes

The International Football Association Board 1

Laws of the Game 2017/18 Law changes Practical Guideline changes The International Football Association Board April 2017


Outline summary of Law changes 2017/18 Herewithasimpleoutlineofthemainchanges/clarifications.ALLLAWS• Replace‘infringement/infringe’etc.with‘offence/offend’etc.LAW1–THEFIELDOFPLAY• ArtificialturfmaybeusedforthelinesonagrassfieldifnotdangerousLAW3–THEPLAYERS • NationalFAscanallowamaximumoffivesubstitutions(exceptatthetoplevel)• NationalFAscannowallowreturnsubstitutionsinyouth,veteransanddisability

football• Clearerwordingforthesubstitutionprocedure• Asubstitutionmadeathalf-timewithoutinformingrefereeisnotacaution(YC)offence• Changingthegoalkeeperathalf-timewithoutinformingtherefereeisnotacaution(YC)• Playerwhoentersthefieldofplaywithoutthereferee’spermission(ifitisrequired)

andinterferesispunishedwithadirectfreekick(FK)• TeamscoringagoalwithanextrapersononthefieldispunishedwithadirectFKLAW4–THEPLAYERS’EQUIPMENT• Goalkeepercapsarenotincludedinthelistofrestrictionsonheadcovers• Playersarenotpermittedtowear/useanyelectronicorcommunicationequipment,

exceptelectronicperformanceandtrackingsystems/EPTS);technicalstaffmayonlyusecommunicationequipmentforsafety/welfareissues

• AllEPTSequipmentmustbearaminimumsafetystandardmarkLAW5–THEREFEREE• Importantstatementthatdecisionsmadebymatchofficialsmustalwaysberespected• NationalFAscanallowtemporarydismissals(sinbins)forsome/allcautions(YC)in

youth,veterans,disabilityandgrassrootsfootball(Guidelinesforbothsystemswillbepublished)

• Amedicalofficialguiltyofadismissibleoffencemaystay/treatplayersifnoothermedicalpersonisavailablefortheteam

• LAW7–THEDURATIONOFTHEMATCH• Ashortdrinksbreakispermittedathalf-timeofextratimeLAW8–THESTARTANDRESTARTOFPLAY• Kickercanstandintheopponents’halfatthekick-offLAW10–DETERMININGTHEOUTCOMEOFAMATCH• Extratimemustbetwoequalperiods,maximum15minuteseach


Kicksfromthepenaltymark(KFPM)• Correctedwordingforgoalkeeperwhoisunabletocontinue • Excludedplayermayreplaceagoalkeeperevenifteamhasusedallitspermitted

substitutes• Kickermaynotplaytheballasecondtime• Agoalkeeperwhooffendsandthepenaltyhastoberetakenmustbecautioned(YC)• Ifthekickeroffendsthekickisforfeited(recordedas‘missed’)• Ifthegoalkeeperandkickeroffendatthesametime:

o retakeandtwocautions(YCs)ifnogoalisscoredo ifagoalisscoredthekickeriscautioned(YC)andkickrecordedas‘missed’

LAW11–OFFSIDE• Anoffsideplayercanbepenalisediftheballrebounds/deflectsoffamatchofficial• Additionof‘attemptsto’tothedefinitionofa‘save’• Offsideguidance:

o playerinoffsidepositionwhoimpedesanopponentmustbepenalisedo playerinoffsidepositionwhoisfouledbeforecommittinganoffsideoffence–foul

penalisedo playerinoffsidepositionwhoisfouledwhenalreadycommittinganoffsideoffence

–offsidepenalisedLAW12–FOULSANDMISCONDUCT• VerbaloffencesarepunishedwithanindirectFK• Ifanadvantageisplayedforasending-off(RC)andtheplayercommitsanotheroffence,

thatoffenceispenalised• Aplayer‘stoppingapromisingattack’inthepenaltyareaisnotcautioned(YC)ifthe

offencewasanattempttoplaytheball• Additiontolistofcautions(YCs)fora‘denyinganobviousgoal-scoringopportunity’

(DOGSO)offenceinthepenaltyareawhichwasanattempttoplaytheball• Caution(YC)forgoalcelebrationwhichcausessafety/securityissue• Ifplayermovesdiagonallytopassthelastdefender/goalkeeperthiscanstillbea

DOGSO• ClearerDOGSOwordingforapenaltyareaoffencewhichisanattempttoplaytheball• EnteringthefieldofplaywithoutpermissionandstoppingagoalorDOGSOisasending-

off• Off-fieldoffenceby/againstaplayerinvolvingopposingplayer/substitute/teamofficial

(oragainstamatchofficial)ispenalisedbyFKontheboundarylineiftheballisinplay• DirectFKforthrowingorkickingball/objectontothefieldtointerferewith

play/someone• DirectFKonboundarylineforthrowingorkickingball/objectatsomeoneoffthefieldLAW13–FREEKICKS• AttackerinorenteringthepenaltyareabeforeadefensiveFKhaslefttheareacannot

playorchallengefortheballuntilithasbeentouchedbyanotherplayer


LAW14–THEPENALTYKICK• Kickermustbeclearlyidentified• Ifthegoalkeeperandkickeroffendatthesametime:

o retakeandtwocautions(YCs)ifnogoalisscoredo ifagoalisscoredthekickeriscautioned(YC)andkickrecordedas‘missed’(see

Law10)• Goalcanbeawardedafteroutsideinterferenceiftheballstillgoesinthegoal

LAW16–THEGOALKICK• Attackerenteringthepenaltyareacannotplayorchallengefortheballuntilitis

touchedbyanotherplayer


Details of all Law changes 2017/18 ThefollowingarethechangestotheLawsoftheGamefor2017/18.Foreachchangetheoldwording(whereappropriate)andthenew/changed/additionalwordingaregiven,followedbyanexplanationforthechange.Thetextshowninthe‘oldtext’boxesmaybetheexactprevioustextoramoregeneraloutlineofthemeaningoftheprevioustext.ALLLAWSOffencesandinfringementsManylanguagesdonothavedifferentwordsfor‘offence’and‘infringement’,thedifferenceisnotclearlyunderstood(evenbyEnglishexperts)andtheiruseinconsistente.g.aplayercanbe an ‘offender’ but not an ‘infringer’. Tomake the Laws clearer and to assist translation,‘offence’and‘offend’replace‘infringement’and‘infringe’.LAW1–THEFIELDOFPLAYFieldmarkingsAdditionaltextThe field of playmust be rectangular andmarkedwith continuous lines whichmust not bedangerous; artificial playing surfacematerialmaybeused for the fieldmarkings onnaturalfieldsifitisnotdangerousExplanationArtificial‘turf’(orsimilar)canbeusedforlinemarkingsongrassfieldsifitisnotdangerous.LAW3–THEPLAYERS2.NumberofsubstitutionsOfficialcompetitionsOldtextAmaximumof three substitutesmay be used in anymatch played in an official competitionorganisedundertheauspicesofFIFA,confederationsornationalfootballassociations.NewtextThenumberofsubstitutes,uptoamaximumoffive,whichmaybeusedinanymatchplayedinanofficialcompetitionwillbedeterminedbyFIFA, theconfederationor thenational footballassociationexceptforMenandWomencompetitionsinvolvingthe1stteamsofclubsinthetopdivisionorsenior‘A’internationalteams,wherethemaximumisthreesubstitutes.ExplanationFIFA, confederationsandnational football associations canallowup toamaximumof fivesubstitutesinallcompetitionsexceptatthehighestlevel.


ReturnsubstitutionsOldtext• The use of return substitutions is only permitted in the lowest levels(grassroots/recreation)offootball,subjecttotheagreementofthenationalfootballassociation.Newtext• The use of return substitutions is only permitted in youth, veterans, disability andgrassrootsfootball,subjecttotheagreementofthenationalfootballassociation,confederationorFIFA.ExplanationTheuseofreturnsubstitutions,whicharealreadyallowed ingrassroots football,hasbeenextendedtoyouth,veteransanddisabilityfootball(subjecttopermissionofthenationalFA).SubstitutionprocedureOldtext• The substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play; from thatmomentthesubstitutebecomesaplayerandthereplacedplayerbecomesasubstitutedplayer.Substitutescantakeanyrestartprovidedtheyfirstenterthefieldofplay.NewtextThesubstitutioniscompletedwhenasubstituteentersthefieldofplay;fromthatmoment,thereplacedplayerbecomesasubstitutedplayerandthesubstitutebecomesaplayerandcantakeanyrestart.ExplanationClearerwording.SubstitutionprocedureAdditionaltextIfasubstitutionismadeduringthehalf-timeintervalorbeforeextratime,theproceduremustbecompletedbeforethematchrestarts.Iftherefereeisnotinformed,thenamedsubstitutemaycontinuetoplay,nodisciplinaryactionistakenandthematterisreportedtotheappropriateauthorities.ExplanationClarifies that a substitution made at these times without informing the referee is not acautionable(YC)offence.OffencesandsanctionsAdditionaltextIfaplayerchangesplaceswiththegoalkeeperwithoutthereferee’spermission,thereferee:• allowsplaytocontinue• cautionsbothplayerswhentheballisnextoutofplaybutnotifthechangeoccurredduring

half-time(includingextratime)ortheperiodbetweentheendofthematchandthestartofextratimeand/orkicksfromthepenaltymark


ExplanationClarifies thatchangingplaceswiththegoalkeeperat thesetimeswithouttherefereebeinginformedisnotacautionable(YC)offence. PlayeroutsidethefieldofplayOldtextIf, after leaving the fieldofplaywith the referee’spermission,aplayer re-enterswithout thereferee’spermission,therefereemust:• stopplay(notimmediatelyiftheplayerdoesnotinterferewithplayoriftheadvantagecan

beapplied)• cautiontheplayerforenteringthefieldofplaywithoutpermission• ordertheplayertoleavethefieldofplay(ifnecessary)

Iftherefereestopsplay,itmustberestarted:• withanindirectfreekickfromthepositonoftheballwhenplaywasstopped• inaccordancewithLaw12iftheplayerinfringesthisLaw

AdditionalandamendedtextIfaplayerwhorequiresthereferee’spermissiontore-enterthefieldofplayre-enterswithoutthereferee’spermission,therefereemust:• stopplay(notimmediatelyiftheplayerdoesnotinterferewithplayoramatchofficialorif

theadvantagecanbeapplied)(…)• cautiontheplayerforenteringthefieldofplaywithoutpermission• ordertheplayertoleavethefieldofplay(ifnecessary)

Iftherefereestopsplay,itmustberestarted:• withadirectfreekickfromthepositionoftheinterference• withanindirectfreekickfromthepositionoftheballwhenplaywasstoppediftherewas

nointerference• inaccordancewithLaw12iftheplayerinfringesthisLawExplanation• Aplayerwhore-entersthefieldofplaywithoutthereferee’spermission(whenrequired)

and interferes with the game is now punished with a direct free kick (as for asubstitute/teamofficial)

• Itisunnecessarytorequiretheoffendingplayertoleavethefieldofplayafterthecaution(YC).

GoalscoredwithanextrapersononthefieldofplayOldtextIf,afteragoalisscored,therefereerealises,beforeplayrestarts,anextrapersonwasonthefieldofplaywhenthegoalwasscored:therefereemustdisallowthegoaliftheextrapersonwas:• aplayer,substitute,substitutedplayer,sentoffplayerorteamofficialoftheteamthatscoredthegoal(…)


Playisrestartedwithagoalkick,cornerkickordroppedball.NewTextIf,afteragoalisscored,therefereerealises,beforeplayrestarts,anextrapersonwasonthefieldofplaywhenthegoalwasscored:therefereemustdisallowthegoaliftheextrapersonwas:• a player, substitute, substituted player, sent off player or team official of the team that

scoredthegoal;playisrestartedwithadirectfreekickfromthepositionoftheextraperson(…)

ExplanationThismakestheLawconsistentwiththe2016/17changewhichpenalisesasubstitute/teamofficialwhoentersthefieldofplaywithoutpermissionwithadirectfreekick.LAW4–THEPLAYERS’EQUIPMENTOtherequipment-headcoversAdditionaltextWhereheadcovers(excludinggoalkeepers’caps)areworn,theymust:(…)ExplanationClarifiesthatgoalkeepers’capsarenotincludedinthelistofrestrictionsonheadcovers.Otherequipment-electroniccommunicationOldtextTheuseofanyformofelectroniccommunicationbetweenplayers(includingsubstitutes/substitutedandsentoffplayers)and/ortechnicalstaffisnotpermitted.NewtextPlayers(includingsubstitutes/substitutedandsentoffplayers)arenotpermittedtowearoruseanyformofelectronicorcommunicationequipment(exceptwhereEPTSisallowed).Theuseofanyformofelectroniccommunicationbyteamofficialsisnotpermittedexceptwhereitdirectlyrelatestoplayerwelfareorsafety.Explanation• ThenewwordingmakesitcompletelyclearthatapartfromEPTSdevices,playersmust

notuseorwearanyformofelectronicequipmentorcommunicationequipment(e.g.camera,microphone,earpieceetc.).Thisistopreservetheintegrityofthegamesothatnoonecancommunicatewithplayersduringthematch,exceptthe‘transparent’verbaltacticalinformationfromcoaches.

• Playersafetyisveryimportantsoelectroniccommunicationispermittedforthesafetyandwelfareoftheplayerse.g.usingalapelmicrophonetoaskforastretcher,ambulanceorusingassessmentequipment(e.g.iPad)foraheadinjury.

Otherequipment-electronicperformanceandtrackingsystems(EPTS)Additionaltext


Wherewearabletechnology(WT)aspartofelectronicperformanceandtrackingsystems(EPTS)isusedinmatchesplayedinanofficialcompetitionorganisedundertheauspicesofFIFA,confederationsornationalfootballassociations,thetechnologyattachedtotheplayer’sequipmentmustbearthefollowingmark:

ThismarkindicatesthatithasbeenofficiallytestedandmeetstheminimumsafetyrequirementsoftheInternationalMatchStandarddevelopedbyFIFAandapprovedbyThe

IFAB.TheinstitutesconductingthetestsaresubjecttotheapprovalofFIFA.Thetransitionperiodrunsuntil31May2018.Explanation

It is important that any EPTS used by players is certified as having satisfied establishedminimum safety criteria. This requirement is compulsory as from 1 June 2017; systemsalreadyinusehaveatransitionperiodforcompliancewhichendson31May2018.LAW5–THEREFEREEDecisionsoftherefereeAdditionaltextThedecisionsoftherefereeregardingfactsconnectedwithplay,includingwhetherornotagoalisscoredandtheresultofthematch,arefinal.Thedecisionsofthereferee,andallothermatchofficials,mustalwaysberespected.ExplanationIt is a fundamental principle of football that match officials’ decisions must always berespected(evenwhentheyareincorrect).DisciplinaryactionAdditionaltextThereferee(…)• hasthepowertoshowyelloworredcardsand,wherecompetitionrulespermit,temporarily

dismissaplayer,fromenteringthefieldatthestartofthematchuntilafterthematch(…)ExplanationNational FAs may now allow temporary dismissals in youth, veterans, disability andgrassrootsfootball.DisciplinaryactionAdditionaltextThereferee(…)• takesactionagainstteamofficialswhofailtoactinaresponsiblemannerandmayexpel

them from the field of play and its immediate surrounds; a medical team official whocommitsadismissibleoffencemayremainiftheteamhasnoothermedicalpersonavailable,andactifaplayerneedsmedicalattention.

ExplanationAteam’smedicalpersonwhoshouldbedismissedfromthetechnicalareaisallowedtoremainandtreatinjuredplayersiftheteamdoesnothaveanothermedicalpersonavailable.


LAW7–THEDURATIONOFTHEMATCHHalf-timeintervalAdditionaltextPlayersareentitledtoanintervalathalf-time,notexceeding15minutes;ashortdrinksbreakispermittedattheintervalofhalf-timeinextratime.ExplanationConsiderationofplayers’welfaremeansthatitissensibletoallowtheplayersaquickdrinksbreakatthehalf-timeintervalinextratime;thebreakisnotforcoachingpurposes.LAW8–THESTARTANDRESTARTOFPLAYThekick-offAdditionaltextForeverykick-off:• allplayers,excepttheplayertakingthekick-off,mustbeintheirownhalfofthefieldofplay(…)• agoalmaybescoreddirectlyagainsttheopponentsfromthekick-off; iftheballdirectly

entersthekicker’sgoal,acornerkickisawardedtotheopponentsExplanation• The‘new’kick-off(ballplayedbackwards)ispopularbutoftenthekickerhastostepinto

theopponents’halftotakethekick;thenewwordingallowsthis.• Itisacornerkicktotheopponentsifthekick-offgoesdirectlyintothekicker’sowngoal.LAW10–DETERMININGTHEOUTCOMEOFAMATCHWinningteamAdditionaltextWhencompetitionrulesrequireawinningteamafteradrawnmatchorhome-and-awaytie,theonlypermittedprocedurestodeterminethewinningteamare:• awaygoalsrule• twoequalperiodsofextratimenotexceeding15minuteseach• kicksfromthepenaltymarkAcombinationoftheaboveproceduresmaybeused.ExplanationClarifiesthattheremustbetwoequalperiodsofextratimeofnomorethan15minuteseachandthatacombinationofdifferentmethodstodeterminethewinnerispermitted.KicksfromthePenaltyMarkPlayerseligibleforkicksfromthepenaltymark(KFPM)Oldtext• Withtheexceptionofasubstituteforaninjuredgoalkeeper,(…)Newtext


• Withtheexceptionofasubstituteforagoalkeeperwhoisunabletocontinue,(…)ExplanationWordingchangedtobethesameasinanotherpartofLaw10.0

Playerseligibleforkicksfromthepenaltymark(KFPM)Oldtext• Agoalkeeperwhoisunabletocontinuebeforeorduringthekicksandwhoseteamhasnot

useditsmaximumpermittednumberofsubstitutes,maybereplacedbyanamedsubstitute,oraplayerexcludedtoequalisethenumberofplayers,buttakesnofurtherpartandmaynottakeakick

Newtext• Agoalkeeperwho isunable tocontinuebeforeorduringthekicksmaybereplacedbya

playerexcludedtoequalisethenumberofplayersor,iftheirteamhasnotuseditsmaximumpermittednumberofsubstitutes,anamedsubstitute,butthereplacedgoalkeepertakesnofurtherpartandmaynottakeakick

ExplanationClarifiesthat:• aplayerwhohasbeenexcludedtoequalisethenumberscanreplacethegoalkeepereven

iftheteamhasusedallitssubstitutes• agoalkeeperwhoisreplacedhasendedtheirinvolvementintheKFPM.WhenakickiscompletedAdditionaltext• Thekickiscompletedwhentheballstopsmoving,goesoutofplayortherefereestopsplay

foranyoffence;thekickermaynotplaytheballasecondtimeExplanationClarifiesthatthekickercannotplaytheballasecondtime. OffencebythegoalkeeperAdditionaltext• Ifthegoalkeepercommitsanoffenceand,asaresult,thekickisretaken,thegoalkeeper

mustbecautioned.

ExplanationClarifiesthatagoalkeeperwhooffendsandcausesaretakemustbecautioned(YC). OffencebythekickerAdditionaltext• Ifthekickerispenalisedforanoffencecommittedaftertherefereehassignalledforthe

kicktobetaken,thatkickisrecordedasmissedandthekickeriscautioned.

ExplanationClarifiesthatifthekickeroffendsthekickisforfeited(recordedas‘missed’)i.e.noretake.


OffencebythegoalkeeperandkickerAdditionaltext• Ifboththegoalkeeperandkickercommitanoffenceatthesametime:

o ifthekickismissedorsaved,thekickisretakenandbothplayerscautionedo ifthekickisscored,thegoalisdisallowed,thekickisrecordedasmissedandthekickercautioned

ExplanationClarifiestheoutcomewhenboththegoalkeeperandkickeroffendatthesametime,whichisararesituationasusuallyonewillhaveoffendedfirst.Therearedifferentoutcomesbecause:• if the kick is missed/saved (because of the goalkeeper’s offence) both players have

committedacautionable(YC)offencesobotharecautioned(YC)andthekickisretaken• ifthegoalisscored,thegoalkeeperhasnotcommittedacautionable(YC)offencebutas

thekicker’soffenceiscautionable(YC)itis‘moreserious’(seeLaw5)andispenalised.LAW11–OFFSIDEOffsidepositionfromreboundAdditionaltextAplayerinanoffsidepositionatthemomenttheballisplayedortouchedbyateam-mateisonlypenalisedonbecominginvolvedinactiveplayby:• gaininganadvantagebyplayingtheballorinterferingwithanopponentwhenithas:

o reboundedorbeendeflectedoffthegoalpost,crossbar,matchofficialoranopponent

ExplanationClarifiesthatiftheballreboundsorisdeflectedoffamatchofficialtoaplayerwhowasinanoffsideposition,thatplayercanbepenalisedforanoffsideoffence. Definitionof‘save’AdditionaltextA‘save’iswhenaplayerstops,orattemptstostop,aballwhichisgoingintoorveryclosetotheirgoalwithanypartofthebodyexceptthehands/arms(unlessthegoalkeeperwithintheirpenaltyarea).ExplanationMoreaccuratedefinitionofa‘save’.OffsideoffenceAdditionaltextInsituationswhere:• aplayermovingfrom,orstandingin,anoffsidepositionisinthewayofanopponentand

interfereswiththemovementoftheopponenttowardstheballthisisanoffsideoffenceifitimpactsontheabilityoftheopponenttoplayorchallengefortheball;iftheplayermovesintothewayofanopponentandimpedestheopponent’sprogress(e.g.blockstheopponent)theoffenceshouldbepenalisedunderLaw12.


• aplayerinanoffsidepositionismovingtowardstheballwiththeintentionofplayingtheballandisfouledbeforeplayingorattemptingtoplaytheball,orchallenginganopponentfortheball,thefoulispenalisedasithasoccurredbeforetheoffsideoffence

• anoffence is committedagainstaplayer inanoffsidepositionwho isalreadyplayingorattemptingtoplay theball,orchallenginganopponent for theball, theoffsideoffence ispenalisedasithasoccurredbeforethefoulchallenge

ExplanationClarificationofsituationswhere:• aplayerinanoffsidepositionawayfromtheballcommitsanoffencewhichimpactson

theabilityofthedefender(s)toplayorchallengefortheball• anoffenceiscommittedagainstaplayerwhoisinanoffsideposition.LAW12–FOULSANDMISCONDUCTIndirectfreekicksAdditionaltextAnindirectfreekickisawardedifaplayer:• (…)• isguiltyofdissent,usingoffensive,insultingorabusivelanguageand/orgesturesorother

verbaloffences• (…)ExplanationClarifiesthatverbal/gestureoffencesarepunishedwithanindirectfreekickevenifthereisacaution (YC)or sending-off (RC); somehavewrongly interpreted thedirect freekick fora‘offencesagainstamatchofficial’toincludedissentetc.butitonlyappliestophysicaloffences. AdvantageafteraredcardAdditionaltextAdvantageshouldnotbeappliedinsituationsinvolvingseriousfoulplay,violentconductorasecondcautionableoffenceunlessthereisaclearopportunitytoscoreagoal.(…)iftheplayerplaystheballorchallenges/interfereswithanopponent,therefereewillstopplay,sendofftheplayerandrestartwithanindirectfreekick,unlesstheplayercommittedamoreseriousoffence.ExplanationClarifies that if a player commits a sending-off (RC) offence and the referee plays theadvantage,iftheplayerthencommitsanotheroffenceitshouldbepenalisede.g.theplayerfoulsanopponent.CautionsforunsportingbehaviourAdditionaltextTherearedifferentcircumstanceswhenaplayermustbecautionedforunsportingbehaviour,includingifaplayer:• commitsafoulorhandlestheballtointerferewithorstopapromisingattackexceptwhere

therefereeawardsapenaltykickforanoffencewhichwasanattempttoplaytheball


ExplanationRemovalofacaution(YC)forstoppingapromisingattackwhenapenaltykickisawardedforan offencewhichwas an attempt to play the ball is consistentwith a caution (YC), not asending-off(RC)iftherefereeawardsapenaltykickforaDOGSOoffencewhichisanattempttoplaytheball..CautionsforunsportingbehaviourAdditionaltextTherearedifferentcircumstanceswhenaplayermustbecautionedforunsportingbehaviour,includingifaplayer:• denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by an offence which was an

attempttoplaytheballandtherefereeawardsapenaltykickExplanationAsaDOGSOoffenceinthepenaltyareainvolvinganattempttoplaytheballisnowpunishedwithacaution(YC)andnotasending-off(RC)thisoffenceisaddedtothelistofcautionable(YC)offences.CelebrationofagoalAdditionaltextAplayermustbecautionedfor:• climbing onto a perimeter fence and/or approaching the spectators in amannerwhich

causessafetyand/orsecurityissues• gesturingoractinginaprovocative,derisoryorinflammatorywayExplanationAnyactionwhichcausessafety/securityconcerns,or isprovocativeetc.mustbecautioned(YC).Sending-offoffencesOldtextAplayer,substituteorsubstitutedplayerwhocommitsanyofthefollowingoffencesissentoff:• denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the

opponents’goalbyanoffencepunishablebyafreekick(unlessasoutlinedbelow).NewtextAplayer,substituteorsubstitutedplayerwhocommitsanyofthefollowingoffencesissentoff:• denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent whose overall

movementistowardstheoffender’sgoalbyanoffencepunishablebyafreekick(unlessasoutlinedbelow).

Explanation• Clarifiesthatdenyingagoalbycommittinganoffenceisasending-off(RC)offence.• Useof‘offender’clarifiesthetext,whichwaspotentiallymisleading/incorrect.• Useof‘overallmovement’clarifiesthatif,inthefinalstage,theattackermovesdiagonally

togopastagoalkeeper/defenderanobviousgoal-scoringopportunitycanstillexist.


Sending-offoffencesOldtextWhereaplayercommitsanoffenceagainstanopponentwithintheirownpenaltyareawhichdeniesanopponentanobviousgoal-scoringopportunityandtherefereeawardsapenaltykick,theoffenderiscautionedunless:• theoffenceisholding,pullingorpushing;or• theoffendingplayerdoesnotattempttoplaytheballorthereisnopossibilityfortheplayer

makingthechallengetoplaytheball;or• theoffenceisonewhichispunishablebyaredcardwhereveritoccursonthefieldofplay

(e.g.seriousfoulplay,violentconductetc.)NewtextWhereaplayercommitsanoffenceagainstanopponentwhichdeniesanopponentanobviousgoal-scoringopportunityandtherefereeawardsapenaltykick,theoffenderiscautionediftheoffencewasanattempttoplaytheball;inallothercircumstances(e.g.holding,pulling,pushing,nopossibilitytoplaytheballetc.)theoffendingplayermustbesentoff.ExplanationClearerwording–nochangeintheLaworitsapplication.DOGSObysomeoneenteringthefieldofplayAdditionaltextAplayer,sentoffplayer,substituteorsubstitutedplayerwhoentersthefieldofplaywithouttherequiredreferee’spermissionandinterfereswithplayoranopponentanddeniestheopposingteamagoaloranobviousgoal-scoringopportunityisguiltyofasending-offoffence.ExplanationClarifiesthatsomeonewhoentersthefieldofplaywithoutthereferee’spermission(includingwhenaplayerrequirespermissiontoreturntothefielde.g.afteraninjury)andpreventsagoal, or denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, has committing a sending-off (RC)offence,evenifnootheroffenceiscommitted.RestartofplayafterfoulsandmisconductOldtextIftheballisinplayandaplayercommitsanoffenceinsidethefieldofplayagainst:• (…)• ateam-mate, substitute, substitutedplayer, teamofficialormatchofficial–adirect free

kickorpenaltykick(…)Iftheballisinplayandaplayercommitsanoffenceoutsidethefieldofplay:• iftheplayerisalreadyoffthefieldofplay,playisrestartedwithadroppedball• iftheplayerleavesthefieldofplaytocommittheoffence,playisrestartedwithanindirect

freekickfromthepositionoftheballwhenplaywasstopped.However,ifaplayerleavesthefieldofplayaspartofplayandcommitsanoffenceagainstanotherplayer,playisrestarted


withafreekicktakenontheboundarylinenearesttowheretheoffenceoccurred;fordirectfreekickoffences,apenaltykickisawardedifthisiswithintheoffender’spenaltyarea.

NewtextIftheballisinplayandaplayercommitsanoffenceinsidethefieldofplay:• (…)• ateam-mate, substitute, substitutedorsentoffplayer, teamofficialormatchofficial–a

directfreekickorpenaltykick(…)If,whentheballisinplay:• aplayercommitsanoffenceagainstamatchofficialoranopposingplayer,substitute,

substitutedorsentoffplayer,orteamofficialoutsidethefieldofplayor• asubstitute,substitutedorsentoffplayer,orteamofficialcommitsanoffenceagainst,or

interfereswith,anopposingplayerormatchofficialoutsidethefieldofplay,playisrestartedwithafreekickontheboundarylinenearesttowheretheoffence/interferenceoccurred;apenaltykickisawardedifthisisadirectfreekickoffencewithintheoffender’spenaltyarea.Explanation• It isadirect freekick ifanoffence is committedon the fieldofplayagainsta sent-off

player.• Aplayerwhocommitsanoffenceagainstanopposingplayer/substitute/teamofficialor

matchofficialoffthefieldofplayispenalisedwithafreekickontheboundarylinee.g.aplayerstrikesanopposingsubstitute/teamofficial.

• Asubstitute/teamofficialwhocommitsanoffenceagainstanopposingplayerormatchofficialoff the field ispenalisedwitha freekickon theboundary linee.g. a substitutestrikesaplayerwaitingtoreturnafterinjuryortripsaplayerwhohastemporarilyleftthefieldofplaytochasetheball.

• ThisLawdoesnotapplyforoffencesbetweensubstitutesorteamofficial-itisonlyforanoffencebyoragainstoneoftheplayers.

ThrowingobjectsOldtextOffenceswhereanobject(ortheball)isthrownIf,whiletheballisinplay,aplayer,substituteorsubstitutedplayerthrowsanobject(includingtheball)atanopponentandoranyotherpersontherefereemuststopplayandiftheoffencewas:• reckless-cautiontheoffenderforunsportingbehaviour• usingexcessiveforce-sendofftheoffenderforviolentconduct(…)Ifaplayerstandingonoroffthefieldofplaythrowsanobjectatanopponent,playisrestartedwithadirectfreekickorpenaltykickfromthepositionwheretheobjectstruckorwouldhavestrucktheopponent.Playisrestartedwithanindirectfreekickifa:


• playerstandinginsidethefieldofplaythrowsanobjectatanypersonoutsidethefieldofplay

• substituteorsubstitutedplayerthrowsanobjectstandinginsidethefieldofplayNewtextIfaplayerstandingonoroffthefieldofplaythrowsanobject(includingtheball)atanopposingplayer,substitute,substitutedorsentoffplayer,orteamofficial,matchofficialortheball,playisrestartedwithadirectfreekickfromthepositionwheretheobjectstuckorwouldhavestruckthepersonortheball.Ifthispositionisoffthefieldofplay,thefreekickistakenonthenearestpointontheboundaryline;apenaltykickisawardedifthisiswithintheoffender’spenaltyareaIf a substitute, substitutedor sent off player, player temporarily off the field of play or teamofficialthrowsorkicksanobjectontothefieldofplayanditinterfereswithplay,anopponentormatch official, play is restarted with a direct free kick (or penalty kick) where the objectinterferedwithplayorstruckorwouldhavestrucktheopponent,matchofficialortheball.Inallcases,therefereetakestheappropriatedisciplinaryaction:• reckless-cautiontheoffenderforunsportingbehaviour• usingexcessiveforce-sendofftheoffenderforviolentconductExplanation• Ifaplayerthrowsanobjectatsomeoneoffthefieldofplaythefreekickisawardedon

theboundarylinenearesttowheretheobjecthitorwouldhavehittheperson;thiswillbeapenaltykickifwithintheoffender’spenaltyarea.

• Theoutcome/impactofthrowingorkickinganobjectontothefieldofplayisthesameasifthepersoncommittedtheoffencedirectly,sothepunishmentisthesame.

LAW13–FREEKICKS AttackingplayerinorenteringthepenaltyareaAdditionalandamendedtextIf,when a free kick is taken quickly by the defending team from inside its penalty area, anyopponentsareinsidethepenaltyareabecausetheydidnothavetimetoleave,therefereeallowsplaytocontinue.Ifanopponentwhoisinthepenaltyareawhenthefreekickistaken,orentersthepenaltyareabeforetheballisinplay,touchesorchallengesfortheballbeforeithastouchedanotherplayer,thefreekickisretaken.ExplanationThischangemakestherequirementsforadefensivefreekickinthepenaltyareaconsistentwiththerequirementsatagoalkick(Law16). LAW14–THEPENALTYKICKIdentifyingthekickerOldtextTheplayertakingthepenaltykickmustbeproperlyidentified.Newtext


Theplayertakingthepenaltykickmustbeclearlyidentified.ExplanationClearertext.

AdditionaltimeforapenaltykickAdditionaltextAdditionaltimeisallowedforapenaltykicktobetakenattheendofeachhalfofthematchandextratime.Whenadditionaltimeisallowed,thepenaltykickiscompletedwhen,afterthekickhasbeentaken,theballstopsmoving,goesoutofplay, isplayedbyanyplayer(includingthekicker)otherthanthedefendinggoalkeeper,ortherefereestopsplayforanoffencebythekickerorthekicker’steam.Ifadefendingteamplayer(includingthegoalkeeper)commitsanoffenceandthepenaltyismissed/saved,thepenaltyisretaken.ExplanationClarifieswhenapenaltyiscompletedwhentimehasbeenextendedforthepenaltykicktobetaken.Offencebygoalkeeperandkicker(seeLaw10)Additionaltext• Ifboththegoalkeeperandkickercommitanoffenceatthesametime::

o ifthekickismissedorsaved,thekickisretakenandbothplayerscautionedo ifthekickscored,thegoalisdisallowed,thekickeriscautionedandplayrestartswithanindirectfreekicktothedefendingteam

ExplanationClarifiestheoutcomewhenboththegoalkeeperandkickeroffendatthesametime,whichisrareasusuallyonewillhaveclearlybeen the first tooffend.Therearedifferentoutcomesbecause:• if the kick is missed/saved (because of the goalkeeper’s offence) both players have

committedacautionable(YC)offence• ifagoalisscoredthegoalkeeperhasnotcommittedacautionable(YC)offencebutasthe

kicker’s offence is cautionable (YC) it is ‘more serious’ (see Law 5) and is thereforepenalised.

InterferencewithapenaltykickAdditionaltextTheballistouchedbyanoutsideagentasitmovesforward:• thekickisretakenunlesstheballisgoingintothegoalandtheinterferencedoesnotprevent

thegoalkeeperoradefendingplayerplayingtheball,inwhichcasethegoalisawardediftheballentersthegoal(evenifcontactwasmadewiththeball)unlesstheballenterstheopponents’goal.

ExplanationClarifieswhatshouldhappenifthereisinterferencewithaballgoingintothegoalatapenaltykick.


LAW16–THEGOALKICKAttackingplayerinorenteringthepenaltyareaAdditionaltextIfanopponentwhoisinthepenaltyareawhenthegoalkickistaken,orentersthepenaltyareabeforetheballisinplay,touchesorchallengesfortheballbeforeithastouchedanotherplayer,thegoalkickisretaken.ExplanationClarifiestheactiontobetakenifaplayerentersthepenaltyareabeforetheballisinplay.

Practical Guidelines for Match Officials Herewiththemainchanges.

Positioning,MovementandTeamworkKicksfromthepenaltymarkAdditionaltext(…)IfthereareAARs,theymustbepositionedateachintersectionofthegoallineandthegoalarea,totherightandleftofthegoalrespectively,exceptwhereGLTisinusewhenonlyoneAARisrequired.AAR2andAR1shouldmonitortheplayersinthecentrecircleandAR2andtheFourthOfficialshouldmonitorthetechnicalareas.ExplanationOnlyoneAARisneeded(tomonitorthegoalkeeper’smovement)whenGLTisused. PenaltykickCorrectedtext(anddiagram)WherethereareAARs,theAARmustbepositionedattheintersectionofthegoallineandthegoalarea(…)

Bodylanguage,CommunicationandWhistleAssistantRefereesCornerkick/goalkickOldtextWhentheballwhollypassesoverthegoallineneartotheAR,asignalshouldbemadewiththerighthand(betterlineofvision)toindicatewhetheritisagoalkickoracornerkick.WhentheballwhollypassesoverthegoallinetheARmustraisetheflagtoinformtherefereethattheballisoutofplayandthenifitis:• neartotheAR-indicatewhetheritisagoalkickoracornerkick.


• farfromtheAR-makeeyecontactandfollowthereferee’sdecision.TheARmayalsomakeadirectsignalifthedecisionisanobviousone.

NewtextWhentheballwhollypassesoverthegoallinetheARraisestheflagwiththerighthand(betterlineofvision)toinformtherefereethattheballisoutofplayandthenifitis:• neartotheAR-indicatewhetheritisagoalkickoracornerkick• farfromtheAR-makeeyecontactandfollowthereferee’sdecision

WhentheballclearlypassesoverthegoallinetheARdoesnotneedtoraisetheflagtoindicatethattheballhasleftthefieldofplay.Ifthegoalkickorcornerkickdecisionisobvious,itisnotnecessarytogiveasignal,especiallywhentherefereegivesasignal.ExplanationTheARdoesnotneedtosignalforaverycleargoalkickorcornerkick,especiallyiftherefereehasalreadysignalledand/ortheballgoesoutofplayontheoppositesideofthegoalfromtheAR.

Documents

Laws of the Game 2017/18static-3eb8.kxcdn.com/documents/239/133928_110417... · 2017. 4. 11. · The International Football Association Board 1 Laws of the Game 2017/18 Law changes