2017-2018 LAW CHANGES

LAW 1-the field of play

Competition may determine field sizes (within the law)(100 x 130---50 x100 still the maximum and minimum)

For AYSO field sizes see the field dimension chart distributed atThe Area meeting of April 1 - 2017

LAW 2- the ball

NO CHANGE

LAW-3 (the players)Minimum number of playersA match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players. (Only change “or continue”) (The Players) NewSubstitutes can take any restart, including corner kicks or throw-ins) provided they first enter the field of play.

(Just a clarification, not really a change) For AYSO it is more for the test than for anything else.

If a named substitute starts the match instead of the named playerand the referee allows the named substitute to continue playing,

the substituted named player becomes a named substitute on arrival. The only change, in effect, is that this change takes placeat the “start” of the match “when the substitute enters the field”.

BIG CHANGE NEW EXTRA PERSON ON THE FIELD OF PLAY AND STATUS OF A “SENT-OFF PLAYER.

Anyone not named on the list as a player, substitute or team official “is an outside agent.” (The sent-off player is no longer considered an outside agent.) This means that if a sent-off player enters the field, he is treated like a substitute entering the field without the referee’s permission and consequently penalized with free kick.

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If a Player returns to the field without Referee permission ( when required ) ,the Referee stops play ( though not immediately ), cautions the player and restartWith a DFK from the position of the interference, if there is one.If there is NO interference play is restarted with an IFK where the ball was when play was stopped. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO REQUIRE THE PLAYER TO LEAVE THE FIELD AND PROPERLY RE-ENTER.   NOTE: changing place with the Goalkeeper during play is a cautionable offense(YC)If the change occurred at half-time, between the end of the game and extra time, between 1st and 2sd overtime or end of overtime and before the startof the KFPM, NO CAUTION (YC) IS ISSUED. The incident, however, must be reported. THIS IS TRULY A BIG CHANGE:If the referee stops play because of an interference by a team official, substitute, substituted player or a sent-off player, play restarts with a direct free kick or penalty kick, depending on where the ball was when the referee stopped play.

Note: This big change was dictated by a growing problem of substitutes and Team officials entering the field and interfering with play or an opponent. This change on punishment was felt to be more appropriate.

CLARIFICATION: A PLAYER WHO IS SENT OFF

1. Before the submission of the team list, cannot appear on the list in any capacity.

2. After being named on the team list but before the kickoff, he may be replaced by a named substitute who in turn cannot, however, be replaced.

3. After the kick-off he cannot be replaced. “Sayonara”. NOTE: If a ball going into the goal is touched but without any interference preventing a defending player from playing the ball, the goal is awarded if the ball goes into the goal even if contact is made with it by the outside agent or sent-off player who entered the field. The goal would not be allowed, of course, if the contact was made with the ball going into the opponent’s goal. This is fair play in

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that the referee would be applying “the advantage” principle: the attempt to stop a goal illegally was unsuccessful, so he awarded the goal.

GOAL SCORED WITH AN EXTRA PERSON ON THE FIELD OF PLAYIf the referee realizes, before play is restarted, that an extra person was on the field of play when the goal was scored and he/she was a substitute, a substituted player, a sent-off player or an official of the team that scored, he must disallow the goal. The goal must also be disallowed if the extra person is an outside agent who interfered with play. Play is restarted with a DFK from the position of the extra person if such extra person was from the opposing team against whom the goal was scored. If the interference came from the team against which a goal was scored, the restart will be a corner kick. If the interference was by an outside agent, then the restart would be a dropped ball.

CAPTAINS. NO CHANGE OTHER THAN BEING REGULATED UNDER LAW 3 INSTEAD OF LAW 12.

LAW 4PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

Socks: Clarifies that any material applied over the socks must be of the same color of the portion of the socks it covers.

Clarifies that if a player loses his footwear or shin guard, he must correct the problem as soon as the ball goes out of play. If before the ball goes out of play, the player scores a goal, the referee must award it.

COLOR OF UNDERGARMENT: It must be of the same color of the sleeves. All players must have the same color. Undershorts must be the same color as shorts or be shorter than the shorts so that the undergarment does not show.

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No dangerous protective equipment is allowed. Goal keepers can wear caps. Sports spectacles are also allowed.

Electronic communications are not permitted between players, substitutes, substituted players, sent-off players and official staff, EXCEPT where it directly relates to player Welfare or Safety

BIG CHANGEPLAYERS RETURNING AFTER CHANGING/CORRECTING EQUIPMENTPlayers must be checked by a match official or a 4th Official. The player can only re-enter with the referee’s permission, which can be given during play. So, now the player going out to change/correct the equipment is treated like a returning, injured player. Again, 4th official or match official must check the player before entering the field.

LAW 5THE REFEREE

REFEREE DECISION, OPINION, AND DISCRETIONThe decision 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 decision of the Referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether a Goal is scored and the result of the Match ARE FINAL.The decision of the Referee and ALL other matters officiated MUST BE RESPECTED

NOTE: THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE OPINION, DISCRETION OF THE REFEREE WILL APPEAR IN THE LAWS. THE CONCEPT OF THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME NOW APPEARS IN THE LAWS.

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IRREVOCABLE DECISION OF THE REFEREEIf play is re-started or the referee has signaled the end of 1st or 2nd half, the decision of the Referee is irrrevocable. This is not a change. JUST A BETTER AND MORE CLEAR STATEMENT.

When multiple offenses are committed at the same time, the most severe one in terms of sanctions, restart, should be applied.

REFEREE AUTHORITY TO TAKE DISCIPLINARY ACTION STARTS FROM PRE-MATCH INSPECTION OF FIELDS (SEE ALSO 12.2)This is a clarification of the referee authority. It starts from the time of entering the field to the time he/she exits. This means the authority extends to overtimes and kicks from the penalty mark. Further, if a player commits a send-off offense before entering the field of play at the start of the match, the referee has authority to prevent that player from taking part in the match. i.e., two players have a fight in the tunnel or during warm up. Also, during the inspection of the field, a referee can have the marking changed. So, it is clear when his authority starts, right? Note: Non Send-Off offenses prior to the start of the match are only reported. They cannot be carried on to the match: i.e., a caution offense.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION: ( NEW ADDITIONAL TEXT )(See also Law 5. Starting and Ending Authority.)The Referee has the power to show the yellow (YC) and red card (RC ) and (new)where competition rules permit has the power to TEMPORARILY dismiss a player from entering the field at the start of the match until after the match.So, now National FAs may allow temporary dismissals in youth, veterans, disabilityand grassroots football

ONE MORE ADDITIONAL TEXT The Referee can take action against Team Officials who fail to act in a responsible manner and may expel them from the field of play and its immediate surrounds.However, a MEDICAL FIELD OFFICIAL may remain at the field if the Team has no available replacement to attend an injured Player.

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ADDITION TO PRESENT REGULATIONCHANGE:If a player is injured as a result of a physical offense for which the opponent is cautioned or sent-off and if his treatment is completed quickly, he/she does not have to leave the field. RATIONAL: It is unfair that a player who is injured by a serious foul and the trainer/doctor comes on, the player has to leave the field, giving the offending team a numerical benefit.

IMPACT OF AN OUTSIDE AGENT TOUCHING A BALL THAT IS GOING INTO THE GOALCHANGE: If an extra ball, object, animal enter the field of play during the match, the referee must stop play and restart with a dropped ball only if it interferes with play. But, “If the ball is going into the goal and the interference DOES NOT PREVENT a defending player from playing the ball,” the goal is awarded. This, of course, if the ball enters the goal even if contact was made with the ball unless the ball enters the opponent goals. NOTE: THIS CHANGE MAKES LAW 5 CONSISTENT WITH THE CHANGES IN LAW 3

ADDITION TO THE REFEREE EQUIPMENT:(1) EQUIPMENT FOR COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER MATCH OFFICIALS (HEAD SET, BUZZER, ETC.) (2) FITNESS, MONITORING EQUIPMENTREFEREES ARE, HOWEVER, PROHIBITED FROM WEARING JEWELRY OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.

LAW 6NEW TITLE

THE OTHER MATCH OFFICIAL( Old: Assistant Referee )

AUTHORITYThe “Other Match Official” operates under the direction of the referee.NOTE: This change emphasizes the referee leadership role.THE ASSISTANCE GIVEN THE REFFEREE BY THE “OTHER MATCH OFFICIAL” (FORMER A/R) is described as follows:They assist with inspecting fields, balls, players’ equipment, recording time, goals, misconducts.

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THE DUTIES OF THE 4TH OFFICIAL ( when in place ) are (1) Checking players’/substitutes’ equipment and (2) indicating minimum amount of additional time the referee intends to play at the end of each half and (3) handling substitutions.

LAW 7DURATION OF THE MATCH

Allowance is made by the referee in each half for time lost for:Assessing and/or removal of an injured playerStoppage for drinks or other medical reasons permitted by ROC

The half time interval can be given to a maximum of 15 minutesIn AYSO is up to each Region to decide whether to stop the watch or make allowance for the time used to make substitutions between quarters.

LAW 8START AND RESTART

ALL GROUPED UNDER THIS LAW ARE:Free Kicks (Direct or Indirect)Penalty KicksThrow-InsGoal Kicks, Kick Off, Dropped Ball, Corner Kicks are all “Other Restarts”. See

Law 13 and 17. This minor change, in my opinion is more cosmetic than anything else.

OFFENCES WHEN THE BALL IS NOT IN PLAY.It only clarifies that a restart does not change for an incident that occurs when the ball is not in play: i.e., holding before a corner kick is taken; violent conduct after a free kick is awarded.

BIG CHANGE:

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ON KICK – OFF the (My Addition: Tapping is not kicking ). The ball can be kicked in any direction.At the Kick-off all Players, EXCEPT the Kicker, must be in their half of the field.

A Goal may be scored Directly against an Opponent .If the ball goes Directly into the Kicker own Goal, a CK ( corner kick ) is awardedto the Opponent.

DROPPED BALL-ADDITION(This is the only place where the dropped ball appears. The referee drops the ball at the position where it was when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area in which case the ball is dropped on the goal area line, which is parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped.

CLARIFICATION DROPPED BALLAny number of players can contest a dropped ball (including the goal keeper). The referee cannot decide who may contest a dropped ball: i.e., calling players to come near for a dropped ball.

DROPPED BALL CHANGE FOR CLARITYIf a dropped ball enters the goal without having been touched by two players, the goal is not allowed.If it went into the opponent goal, the restart is a G.K.If it enters his own goal, the goal is a C.K. for the opponent. CHANGE: Must be touched at least by two players.

LAW 9BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

THIS IS A CHANGE FOR CLARITYThe ball is in play at all other times including when it rebounds off a match official, a goal post, cross bar or corner flag post and remains in the field of play. This also confirms that the ball is still in play when it rebounds off a match official who is just off the field of play and the ball has not entirely crossed over the line.

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LAW 10DETERMINING THE OUTCOME OF THE MATCH

( Old title: Method of scoring )REASON FOR CHANGING THE TITLE IS TO INCLUDE IN LAW 10 KICKS FROM THE PENALTY MARK, AWAY GOAL, ETC.

CHANGE: CHOOSING THE GOAL for the kicks from the penalty mark.Unless there are other considerations: i.e., ground, safety, etc., the referee tosses a coin to decide the goal at which the kicks will be taken, which may only be changed for safety reasons or if a goal or playing surface becomes unusable.AGAIN, the REFEREE decides which Goal to use

PLAYERS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE KICKS FROM PENALTY MARKCHANGE AND CLARIFICATION“With the exception of a substitute for an injured goal keeper, only players who are on the field of play or are temporarily off the field (injury or equipment adjusting) at the end of the match are eligible to take kicks.NOTE: End of the match includes OVERTIMES.

NAMING AND ORDER OF PENALTY KICK TAKERS CLARIFICATION ON ADDITIONThe referee is not informed of the order. Some referees apparently ask for names and order. This should not be done.

SIMPLIFIED WORDING FOR EQUAL NUMBER OF PLAYERSIf at the end of the match, before or during the KFPM, one team loses players, the other team must reduce and inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded.

KFPMGOALKEEPER UNABLE TO CONTINUEClarifies that if a Goalkeeper is unable to continue before or during the KFPM can be replaced by a named substitute if the team has not already used all them. (number of substitutes permitted.) He can also be replaced by a player excluded

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to equalize the number of players. But, the goal keeper may not take any further part and may not take kicks.

WHEN IS THE PENALTY KICK COMPLETED?(See also 14)When the ball stops moving, when it goes out of play or when the referee stops play for any offence The Kicker may not play the ball a second time BEFORE it has been touched by another Player.

SEQUENCE OF KFPM Each eligible player must take the kick. The next round starts after all eligible players have taken their 1st kick. The order of kicks for the second round can be changed.

PLAYER LEAVING THE FIELD OF PLAYNEW ADDITION TO KFPMIf a player leaves the field of play, KFPM must not be delayed. If the player does not return in time, his kick is forfeited (Scored as missed).REASON: To stop this potentially unfair conduct from coach, deliberate delay, even fixing. Good Addition.

OFFENCES BY THE KICKER.If the Kicker is penalized for an offence committed after the Referee signaledfor the kick to be taken THE KICK IS RECORDED AS MISSED AND THE KICKER IS CAUTIONED.

If both Kicker and Goalkeeper commit an offence at the same time the kick is re-taken and both Players are cautioned if the kick is missed or saved,

If the Kicker has committed a cautionable offence (YC), but the Goalkeeper a NON cautionable offence at the same time and a goal is scored, it must be disallowed and the Kicker cautioned for his was the MOST SERIOUS offence. (Also, see Law 5 Disciplinary action, first paragraph)

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LAW 11OFFSIDE

CLARIFICATION AND ADDITION:The half-way-line is neutral territory. A player is in an off-side position if part of his head, body or feet is in the opponent half, excluding the halfway line,nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.NOTE: ARMS AND HANDS OF THE PLAYERS, INCLUDING THE GOAL KEEPER ARE NOT CONSIDERED. SO HANDS AND ARMS OF DEFENDERS, ATTACKERS AND GOALKEEPER ARE NOT INCLUDED WHEN JUDGING OFF-SIDE.

A player is judged to be in an off-side position at the moment the ball is played or touched by a teammate. HE IS ONLY PENALIZED on becoming involved in play, by gaining an advantage by being in that position, by playing the ball or interfering with the opponent, when the ball has rebounded or deflected off a goal post, crossbar, an opponent, a Match Official or was deliberately saved by an opponent. If an off-side offense occurs, the referee awards an IFK WHERE THE OFFENCE OCCURRED, including if it is in the player’s own half of the field of play. ( The player was in an off-side position and came back to his own side to get the ball passed or touched by his teammate )

SAVE. A save is when a player stops or attempt to stop a ball which is going intoor very close to his Goal with any part of the body EXCEPT the hands. (Goalkeepers excluded within their Penalty Area)

CHANGE: DEFENDING PLAYER LEAVING FIELDA defending player who leaves the field of play for any reason without the referee’s permission shall be considered to be on the goal line or touch line till the next stoppage of play…..(Addition) or till the defending team plays the ball toward the halfway and it is out of the PA.If the players left the field deliberately, the player must be cautioned when the ball is next out of play.

HOW TO DEAL WITH AN ATTACKING PLAYER OFF THE FIELD OR WHO STAYS OFF THE FIELD AND THEN RETURNS

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An attacking player may step or stay off the field of play to show he is not involved in active play. If the player re-enters from the goal line and becomes involved in play before the next stoppage in play or the defending team has played the ball toward the half way line and it is outside their penalty area, the player shall be considered to be positioned on the goal line point for the purpose of off-side. A player who deliberately leaves the field of play and re-enters without the referee’s permission and is not penalized for off-side or gaining an advantage must be cautioned.

ATTACKING PLAYER IN THE GOAL: If an attacking player remains stationary between the goal posts and inside the goal as the ball enters the goal, a goal must be awarded. IF the player commits an off-side offense or Law 12 offense, the Goal is disallowed and play is restarted with a Direct or Indirect Free Kick.

Additional test.If a player in an Off-side position moves toward the ball with the intent to play the ball is fouled before playing or attempting to play the ball or challenging an opponent for the ball, the foul is penalized for it has occurred BEFORE the Off-side offence.

If an offence is committed against a player in an Off-side position who is already playing or attempting to play the ball or challenging an opponent for the ball, the Off-side offence is penalized as it has occurred before the foul challenge

LAW 12FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

NEW DEFINITION OF “RECKLESS”. THE WORD “COMPLETE” IS ELIMINATED. (Legal problem in defining word) Now only states: “When the player acts with disregard…….”

NEW DEFINITION OF “EXCESSIVE FORCE”.THE WORD “FAR” IS ELIMINATED.

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So, using excessive force is when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and endangers the safety of an opponent.

CHANGE AND ADDITION : IMPEDING AN OPPONENT “WITH CONTACT” REQUIRES A “DIRECT FREE KICK.”

ALSO WITHOUT ANY CONTACT BEING MADE” is now added to the definition of impeding the progress of an opponent. This remains an indirect free kick.

AUTHORITY OF REFEREECHANGE:The referee can take disciplinary action “from entering the field of play for pre-match inspection until leaving the field of play after the match ends including KFPM. NEW ADDITION: If before entering the field of play at the start of the match a player commits a sending off offense, the referee has the authority toprevent the player from taking part in the match. (See also Law 5)

Other indirect free kick.If a Player shows DISSENT by using offensive, insulting, or abusive language and/or gestures or other verbal offenses directed at the Match Official play is re-started with an INDIRECT free kick ( Offences against a Match Official ), a Direct free kick for offences against a Match Official is only awarded for physical offences.

ADVANTAGE after a red card:(Additional text )It should not be applied in situations involving serious foul play, violent conduct or a second caution offence UNLESS there is a clear opportunity to score a goal. The referee must send-off the player when the ball is next out of play. The re-start depends on the reason the ball went out of play.

But, if the player plays the ball or challenges/interferes with an opponent or commits another offence ( i.e. holds an opponent ), the referee must stop play, send off the player and restart with an indirect free kick unless the player committed a more serious offence.

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CHANGE FOR CLARITY: CAUTION FOR HAND BALL, UNSPORTING BEHAVIORThere are different circumstances for a player to be cautioned for U.B. including if a player commits a foul or hands the ball to interfere or stop a promising attack except where the Referee awards a Penalty Kick for an offence which was an attempt to play the ball or handle the ball in an attempt to score a goal (whether or not the attempt is successful) or an unsuccessful attempt to stop a goal.NOTE: Only if there is an imminent possibility to score can the advantage be given. This is very rare. The red card (RC) offense must be dealt with promptly. It would be unfair if the RC player would score, contributed to a goal or prevented a goal because of the referee’s indecisiveness.

DENIAL OF AN OBVIOUS GOAL SCORING OPPORTUNITY IN THE PENALTY AREA:Denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by handling the ball, the player committing that offense is sent-off wherever the offense occurs.

SENDING-OFF Offences:If a player, substitute, substituted player, denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent moving toward the opponent’s Goal and is within the opponent’s PA by committing an offense against an opponent, the referee awards a P.K and the player is cautioned UNLESS:

The offense is holding, pulling or pushing.The offending player does not attempt to play the ball or there is no

possibility he can play or even challenge the ball.The offense is one that is punishable by a red card (RC) wherever it occurs

on the field of play: i.e., serious foul, violent conductNOTE: The offenses described above require a send-off (Red Card).

DOGSO by someone entering the field of play.A Player, Sent-off Player, substitute who enters the field of play without the required Referee permission and interferes with play or an Opponent and denies the opposing team a Goal or a DOGSO is guilty of a sending-off offence.

CHANGE: SERIOUS FOUL PLAY.TACKLE OR CHALLENGES THAT ENDANGER THE SAFETY OF AN OPPONENT MUST BE SANCTIONED AS “SERIOUS FOUL PLAY”.

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NOTE: A TACKLE IMPLIES A CHALLENGE WITH THE FOOT. SOME OTHER CHALLENGES CAN BE MADE WITH SOME OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY: I.E., KNEE, ELBOW, ARMS.

VIOLENT CONDUCT WITH NO CONTACTCHANGE

1. Violent conduct is when a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging the ball or a teammate, team official, Match official, spectator or any other person regardless of whether contact is made. This means violent conduct is punishable with a send-off (RC) even if unsuccessful (i.e., attempted strike)

2. Violent conduct with contact with head or face. A player who is not challenging for the ball is guilty of violent conduct if he deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm. UNLESS, the force was negligible. So…it is now clear that a player who deliberately hits/strikes an opponent when not challenging for the ball, should be sent-offRESTART OF PLAY AFTER FOUL AND MISCONDUCT-CHANGE AND SIMPLIFICATION If the ball is in play and a player commits an offence inside the field of play

A. If the offense is against a team mate, a substitute, a substituted player, team official, match official or a sent-off player it is punishable with a DFK or PK.

B. If a substitute, a substituted Player, sent -off Player or team official commits an offence against or interferes with an opposing Player or Match official outside the field of play, the play is RESTARTED with a FREE KICK on the boundary line nearest to where the offence/interference occurred. A PK is awarded if the Direct Free Kick offence occurred within the offender’s Penalty Area.

C. For an offense against any other person, i.e. a spectator, the restart will be a dropped ball.This change reflects the thinking that an offense against another participant, i.e., a match official, is a serious matter.

FOULS OFF THE FIELD OF PLAYCHANGE AND QUITE FAIR, I MAY ADD

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IF THE BALL IS IN PLAY AND THE OFFENSE OCCURRED OUTSIDE THE FIELD OF PLAY:

a) If a player leaves the field of play as part of play and commits an offense, the play is restarted with a Free Kick taken on the boundary line, nearest the place where the offense occurred.

b) For Direct Free Kick offenses, the restart is a P.K., if they occur within the offender’s Penalty Area.

RATIONAL: It would be difficult to explain or accept the referee decision to give a RC or YC, then re-start with a dropped ball or given a IFK. Of course, if the offense occurs near the goal line and within the PA boundary line, a PK will be awarded in case of DFK offenses.

THROWING OBJECTS.If a Player standing on or off the field throws an object or the ball at an opposing Player, substitute, substituted or sent-off Player, team official, match official, play is restarted with a DFK from the position where the object struck or WOULD HAVE STRUCK the person or the ball.If this position is off the field of play the FREE KICK is taken on the nearest point on the boundary line. A PK is awarded if this is within the offender’s Penalty Area.

If a substitute, substituted or sent- off Player, Player temporarily off the field, a TEAM OFFICIAL throws or kicks an object onto the field and interfere with play, an opponent or Match official, the play is RESTARTED with a DFK or PK where the object interfered with, struck or would have struck the opponent, Match official or the ball.

LAW 13

CHANGE AND EXPANSION OF DEFINITIONDirect and Indirect Free Kicks are awarded to the opposing team of the player guilty of an offense.

POSITION OF FREE KICKSA CLEAR STATEMENT:“All free kicks are taken from the place where the offence occurs, except in the case of a player leaving, entering or re-entering the field of play without the

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referee’s permission. In this latter case, the place of restart will be where the ball was when play was stopped. Also, if the player leaves the field as part of a play and commits a foul, the restart with a free kick will be on the boundary line nearest to where the offense occurred. A P.K. will be awarded if the offense occurs within the offenders’ penalty area. (See also Laws 12 and 14)NOTE: The real big change is that a P.K. is awarded for an offense off the field, when the ball is in play and the nearest point of the offense is within the offender’s penalty area.

As in the kick off and in any free kick the ball must be kicked and must clearly move. Again, no tapping or simply touching.

STOPPING/INTERCEPTING FREE KICKSNOTHING NEW A quick kick can be intercepted by a player retrieving but not yet at 10 yards. Deliberately preventing the taking of a kick quickly can be cautioned for delay of restart.

ATTACKING PLAYER IN OR ENTERING THE PENALTY AREAIf a Free Kick is taken by the defending team within their own Penalty Area before all opponents had the time to leave the PA, the Referee allows the play to continue.

If an opponent is in the Penalty Area or enters the PA before the ball is in play and touches or challenges for the ball before it has been touched by another player the Kick is re-taken.

LAW 14THE PENALTY KICK

THE KICKER MUST BE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED

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STATIONARY POSITION AND MOVEMENT OF THE BALL.The ball must be stationary on the penalty mark and to be in play must be KICKED and must clearly move.

WHEN IS THE PENALTY KICK COMPLETED?A. When the ball stops movingB. When the ball goes out of playC. When the referee stops play for violations of the laws

ARE THERE OFFENSES THAT ARE ALWAYS PUNISHABLE WITH AN IFK WHEN COMMITTED BEFORE OR DURING THE TAKING OF THE PENALTY KICKS?Once the referee signals for a P.K. to be taken, it must be taken. If before the ball is in play, the player taking the P.K. or a teammate commits an offence this is what happens:

A. If the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken. B. If the ball does not enter the goal, the referee must stop play and re-start

with an Indirect Free Kick.

An Indirect Free Kick is also awarded to the defending team regardless of whether or not a goal is scored, if:

1. The ball is kicked backwards 2. A teammate of the identified kicker takes the kicks. In this case the player

who took the kick is also cautioned. The restart is an Indirect Free Kick for the defending team.

3. Feinting to kick the ball once the kicker has completed the run. (The kicker is cautioned.) NOTE: Feinting during the run-up is permitted.

KEEP IN MIND:All the above offences connected with the taking of a P.K. do not follow the normal standards for Indirect Free Kicks. The offences mentioned above are to punish the guilty player for unsporting behavior (UB).

ADDITIONAL TIME is allowed for the PK to be taken at the end of each half of the Match and extra time. In this case the PK is completed:1. When after the kick has been taken the ball stops moving.

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2. Goes out of play.3. The ball is played by any player (Including the Kicker) other than the defending Goalkeeper.4. The Referee stops play for an offence by the Kicker or the Kicker’s Team.

If a defending team Player (including the Goalkeeper) commits an offence and the Penalty is MISSED or SAVED the Penalty is RE-TAKEN.

OFFENSES BY THE GOAL KEEPERIf the Goal Keeper commits an offence thus causing a re-take, he must be cautioned. This is only fair since the P.K. law has become more stringent as in the case of a kicker who illegally feints.

1. If the kick is MISSED or SAVED and if both the Goalkeeper and Kicker committed an offence at the same time the kick is retaken and both Players cautioned.

2. If the Kicker committed a cautionable offence, but not the Goalkeeper or an offence more serious than that of the Goalkeeper and the kick scored , the Goal is disallowed (Law 5), the Kicker is cautioned if the offence was cautionable and play re-started with an IFK for the defending Team.

LAW 15THE THROW-IN

No change other than “throws with hands” replaced “delivers.”

ENCROACHING WITHIN 2 YARDS. JUST A CLARIFICATION:A player distracting or impeding the thrower including moving closer than 2 yards from where the throw-in is being taken is cautioned and if the throw-in has already been taken, the re-start would be an indirect Free Kick for the team against which the offence has been committed.

INTERFERENCE WITH A PENALTY KICKIf the ball is touched by an OUTSIDE AGENT as it moves forward the kick is re-taken UNLESS the ball is going into the Goal and the interference does not

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prevent the Goalkeeper or a defending Player from playing the ball in which case a Goal is awarded if the ball goes into the Goal (EVEN IF CONTACT IS MADE WITH THE BALL) unless, of course, the ball enters the opponent’s Goal.

LAW 16THE GOAL KICK

NO CHANGE. It only clarifies that if an opponent is in the P.A. when the goal kick is being taken and touches the ball before it is touched by another player, the kick is retaken. (The ball must leave the P.A. to be in play).A goal can be scored from the G.K. However, if the ball comes back after having left the P.A. and goes directly into his own goal, a C.K. is awarded to the opponent. On a G.K. the ball must be stationary and the ball can be placed anywhere inside the goal area. NOTE: It is good to repeat that if an opponent who is inside the P.A. when the G.K. is taken, touches or challenges for the ball before it has been touched by another player, the G. K. is re-taken.

LAW 17THE CORNER KICK

NO REAL CHANGE. JUST A REMINDER1. A goal can be scored directly from the C.K. but only against an opponent2. The ball must be placed in the corner area3. The ball must be stationary and kicked by a player of the attacking team4. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.

AMEN

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