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Law #01		Law #01 Extra
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Animation of what is... +- THE SOCCER FIELD -+

Flag posts

A flag post must not be less than 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with a non-pointed top. A flag post (with a flag) must be placed at each corner of the field of play.

Flag posts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1m (1 yd) outside the touchline.

Halfway line flag posts are not mandatory - but desirable.

The Corner Arc

A quarter circle with a radius of 1 meter (1 yard) from each corner flag post is drawn inside the field of play.
This area is sometimes referred to as the corner quadrant.

Look for the following general points: The length of the field of play must exceed the width: check for minimum dimensions: Check that the lines are sufficiently distinctive, and are the correct width and are not rutted. Lines are usually white: Goal lines should be the same width as the goalposts.

The minimum markings are the goal lines, half way line, penalty area lines and touchlines. All lines must not be more than 12 cm (5 ins) wide. Nothing on the pitch surface or appurtenances must be dangerous to players - such as Dog’s muck or glass: Surface conditions such as pools of water, icy patches, large holes, can be dangerous to players: Look for short or pointed Corner Flags: Unstable goal posts etc....

The Referee has a duty to inspect the field of play properly before each game

- But common sense is also a part of the pre-match field of play inspection equation.... many football pitches are managed by the local District Councils. The Councils have a responsibility to ensure that the fields of play are marked out properly, and are fit and safe for play, but the Referee makes the final decision whether a field of play is safe or not. Most Councils accept that the Referee will inevitably decide the safety aspect - whilst caretakers are more concerned with damage to their surfaces.

Law 1 covers the Field of Play - the Referee must use his common sense if allowing a game to proceed on a pitch that is not 100 per cent as defined in Law 1. For example, in the local Sunday morning leagues, a large number of the grounds are in countryside villages, or just somewhere out in the 'wilds'. Invariably, some of the line markings might not be as clear as they should be. Or someone has forgotten to mark out the center circle or the penalty area semicircle, and there is no white line machine available. Referees can use their common sense! Let's be honest, if you (the Referee) have traveled some 30 miles on a cold Sunday morning, and all the players are changed and waiting for you on the field of play, would you cancel the game because someone forgot to mark out the penalty spots. I wouldn't, but I know some Referees who would - some Referees have more common sense than others. The main criteria, is to be 100% sure that the field of play does not pose a danger to the players (or to the Referees). As a rule of thumb, a game can be played if all the straight lines are in place. Notwithstanding this, the Referee should do all he can to ensure that the field of play is properly prepared.

Try and be practicable, play a game if at all possible, but obtain both of the teams’ agreement to play with any minor defects - this will of course vary depending on which standard or level of football is being played. For example, if the game was in the English Premier League, then the field of play needs to be 100% correct, but if it is a Park level game, the Referee can apply some common sense when making his decision to play the game or not.

Referees should report unsolved problems, even if the game is played - else the Referee next week will have the same problem if it is not rectified. Further Areas for consideration: Bad Light: Frost: Snow: Fog: Mist (the Referee must be able to see the entire length of the field of play): Rain: Thunder: Nearby Fairground Noise!!!! You may need to abandon a game if conditions worsen during a game.

New Referees undergoing training will need to remember the measurements of the Field of Play to enable them to pass the Referees' exam. Dimensions of the Field Of Play are in both Imperial and Metric:
i.e. the dimensions are both In Yards & Meters in the LOAF (Laws Of Associated Football) booklet.
For your Referees' exam, concentrate on either Yards or Meters - not both!

The Field of play:

- Length (Touch Lines) is greater than the width (Goal Lines):
- Lines no more than 5 inches wide: Pitch is divided in half by the halfway line.
- Length: Min.100 yards, Max. 130 yards: Width: Min. 50 yards, Max. 100 yards.

All the lines are part of the field of play, i.e.. The penalty area includes the width of its boundary lines. The field of play is marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries. So if a defender commits a direct free kick offence immediately on top of his penalty area line, then a penalty is awarded to the attacking team. All the lines on the field of play, form part of the area boundary that they encompass. The ball only leaves any area of the field of play, when it has passed wholly over one of the boundary lines that encompass that particular area.

The football season is played mostly in wintry conditions when people normally wear more clothing in order to maintain body heat. Sports people, however, wear the same outfit in winter as they do in summer, and it is a wonder that more do not suffer from cold-induced illnesses, like hypothermia, pneumonia, and the very final – rigor mortis. Of course there are other ways of keeping warm; running exercises the muscles, this circulates the blood faster and induces warmth and so sweat. Be warned, however, sweat brought on under those conditions is brought on by loss of body heat, not from warmth gained, and continuous loss of heat will make the body colder and eventually bring on hypothermia, cause coma and ultimately death.

So be aware. It is most important that loss of body heat, and loss of body fluids, do not go below a certain level. Furthermore, the combination of low temperature and strong winds means people lose more body heat than they would at the same temperature in calm conditions. This effect is called the wind-chill factor and the table, below, amply shows the relevant skin temperature.

When Referees inspect the field of play, they should not just concentrate on the markings and the state of the field, they should also consider the effect temperature and wind speed will have on players. I would not recommend sanctioning play if the temperature is below –10˚F, in the case of mature men; neither would I allow play to commence in the case of children or women players if the temperature is below 0˚F – and that is not being chauvinistic. That is being careful.

And then there is rain! We know about rain in England, don’t we? The past couple of months Oct/Nov 2000 have brought in so much that it’s a wonder that the British Isles haven’t floated off with the currents and become an annex to the Caribbean islands! Rain affects the health of humans. Clothes protect the human body from the elements, hot or cold. In cold temperatures and wind, however, clothing that is wet, whether from within (i.e. sweat) or without (i.e. rain), loses its insulation from the weather. Therefore when inspecting the field of play, I do urge everybody to consider the effect rain will have on players and spectators.

These considerations are common sense. Machismo should never come into the equation; neither is the "Stiff upper lip" or being "British", or any other element, which endangers people. Fresh air is good for everybody, but when the wind is strong cradles should not be hung from trees!

Goals

Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line.

They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar.

The distance between the posts is 7.32 m (8 yds) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8ft).

Both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width and depth, which do not exceed 12 cm (5 ins). The goal lines are the same width as that of the goalposts and the crossbar. Nets may be attached to the goals and the ground behind the goal, provided that they are properly supported and do not interfere with the goalkeeper.

The goalposts and crossbars must be white.

Safety

Goals must be anchored securely to the ground.
Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement

What to inspect before a game.

What to inspect: Referees should aim to arrive at the ground in plenty of time. At the very least, 45 minutes before K.O. (Kick-Off) to allow time to change into their uniform and to inspect the field of play properly, thus giving the Referee time for any problems to be rectified. If the Referee, or the grounds man need to cancel the game due to unforeseen circumstances before the K.O. time, Referees can sometimes prevent the away team from traveling to the ground. Hence the need for Referees to arrive early, and in plenty of time before the kick-off.

What to look for? Each Referee has their own method of inspecting the field of play. Look closely at both goals and their nets, and then walk diagonally between both sets of corner flags. This allows you to inspect most of the playing surface - some Referees just walk up and down through the center and pull the nets once or twice, but this ‘tickling inspection’ is not really good enough. Give the field of play a thorough inspection.

Field of play inspection routine (1 to 7) below:

Below is a routine that allows inspection of all the Field of Play areas before Kick-off - including the lines, corner flags and goal structures.

- 1. Start at the left bottom hand corner, check the corner flag post and flag. Look up along the touchline and across the goal line to check that the lines are straight, clear and consistent, then make your way towards the bottom goal, inspecting the ground area as you walk along.

- 2. When you reach the bottom goal, check the nets, goalposts, crossbar, penalty spot markings, goal line, penalty area and goal area lines and ground areas. Look up field to see if the center circle and far goal are lined up correctly and not askew. Walk to bottom right hand corner, checking the ground area and lines as you walk along.

- 3. When you reach the bottom right hand corner, check the corner flag post and flag. Look up along the touchline and across the goal line to check that the lines are straight, clear and consistent, then make your way towards the top left hand corner, inspecting the ground area as you walk across the field of play.

- 4. When you get to the top left hand corner, look down along the touchline and across the goal line to check that the lines are straight, clear and consistent. Check the corner flag post and flag, and then make your way towards the top goal, inspecting the ground area as you walk along.

- 5. When you reach the top goal, check the nets, goalposts, crossbar, penalty spot markings, goal line, penalty area and goal area lines and ground areas. Look down field to see if the center circle and far goal are lined up correctly and not askew. Walk to the top right corner, checking the ground area and lines as you walk along.

- 6. When you get to the top right hand corner, check the corner flag post and flag. Look down along the touchline and across the goal line to check that the lines are straight, clear and consistent, and then make your way back to the starting bottom left hand corner, inspecting the field of play area as you walk along.

- 7. Look for illegal markings, divots, ruts, glass, nails, stones, dog mess, length of grass, puddles and surface water, sharp plastic, cans and anything else that constitutes a danger to players and yourself. Pace out any area distances that look wrong.

Is there a worn footpath running across the field? and is the bull in the adjacent field properly secured? Look particularly at the area where your Assistant Referees will be running - if the right wing touchlines are muddy - consider asking your Assistant Referees to run the left wing touchlines instead.

If there is another nearby game being played at the same time as your game, check with the other Referee to ensure that you both use different toned whistles - else there could be some confusion when one of you stops play by blowing the whistle very near the other's field of play.

Application for matches for players of less than 16 years of age,
for women footballers, for veteran footballers (over 35 years) and for players with disabilities.

DECISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL F.A. BOARD


- 1. If the crossbar becomes displaced or broken, play is stopped until it has been repaired or replaced in position. If a repair is not possible, the match is abandoned. The use of a rope to replace the crossbar is not permitted. If the crossbar can be repaired, the match is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when play was stopped.

- 2. Goalposts and crossbars must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. Their shape may be square, rectangular, round or elliptical and they must not be dangerous to players.

- 3. No kind of commercial advertising, whether real or virtual, is permitted on the field of play and field equipment (including the goal nets and the areas they enclose) from the time the teams enter the field of play until they have left it at half-time and from the time the teams re-enter the field of play until the end of the match. In particular, no advertising material of any kind may be displayed on goals, nets, flag posts or their flags. No extraneous equipment (cameras, microphones, etc.) may be attached to these items.

- 4. The reproduction, whether real or virtual, of representative logos or emblems of FIFA, confederations, national associations, leagues, clubs or other bodies, is forbidden on the field of play and field equipment (including the goal nets and the areas they enclose) during playing time, as described in Decision 3.

- 5. A mark may be made off the field of play, 9.15 meters (10 yds) from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal line to ensure that this distance is observed when a corner kick is being taken.

Questions and Answers:

This web site and the advice and answers to any questions are not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The opinions expressed on this site should not be considered official interpretations of the Laws of the Game. Although the content of the latest Laws are included on this site, the majority of the content is the opinion of the Webmaster and other Referees worldwide. If you need an official ruling you should contact your local representative/association or visit the FIFA, or the English FA web sites for the Laws themselves.

Questions and Answers:

Question 1:What should the Referee do if the goal nets are full of holes? Should he still play the game even though there are no materials to repair the net?

Answer 1: The Laws are vague about the necessity of having nets attached to the goals. Law 1 actually states that "Nets may be attached to the goals..........." so there is no requirement that netting must be present. Most competition rules will stipulate that goal nets are required, but if this is not mentioned, then there is nothing to stop a game being played without the nets. But I would not recommend it! Do your best to make sure that goal nets are present and properly installed. If the game is a 'friendly', then you could consider playing without nets (but how many games are REALLY friendly - not many!) I would certainly not advise playing a senior level game without the use of nets. Even with nets, it can sometimes be difficult to see if a goal has been scored or not - you would need telescopic vision and TV action replay to see whether a goal has been scored when the ball whizzes in near the goalpost, and you (the Referee) are still catching up with play on the half way line! If the nets are not properly attached, a shot can hit the outside netting and still end up in the goal! If they are not attached securely at the bottom, a well-struck shot can enter the goal and pass right through a broken net - or under the net - making it appear never to have entered the goal.

If nets are available, and they require mending - then it is the Home team's responsibility to repair them before the game can commence. But there is nothing to stop you playing with a net full of holes. There are no regulations stating that the net must be made of certain materials, or must not have any holes!, or how wide each net hole should be. My advice is to carry lengths of string with you in your kit bag. Home teams never seem to have suitable ties available to repair or re-fix damaged nets. I'm not proud - I'll tie the nets up myself, and repair any small holes, if it helps me feel more confident about whether a ball has entered the net or not during a game. Ensure that nets are securely fastened to the posts, crossbar and ground. The Referee and Assistant Referees should check or recheck the nets just before the game starts.

The Referee should always try and play a game if he can, and do his best to get the field of play ready and safe - play the game as best you can. If this means playing without all of the lines, nets, flags, penalty mark, center circle lines, whatever, then if it can be sensibly played - play it. After all, football is not about showing off a perfect field but about playing. The Referee should report any field of play deficiencies to the proper authorities. This will allow the authorities to investigate, and hopefully prevent any reoccurrence of the problem.

Question 2: Is a manager, coach or substitutes allowed to march up and down the touchline yelling at the players and giving instructions. Can the Referee take any legal action?

Answer 2:This is a particular problem at grounds where there are no specific designated technical areas (in other words, this is a problem at the majority of grounds). Most senior competition rules should state the requirements of the technical area. For example, how many, and exactly who are allowed to be in this area. Most local league associations do not provide technical areas alongside their fields of play, so it is impossible to enforce the 'Technical Area' Laws. In such cases (unless stipulated), it is generally accepted that the local league associations have no option but to be flexible in allowing managers, coaches and substitutes to move almost where they wish around the field of play. This is where Law 18 Common sense must be used.

Managers and coaches are permitted to give tactical instructions, support and encouragement to players; however, they are expected to stay in any defined "technical area". A team official may convey tactical instructions to the players during the match and must return to his position after doing so. All team officials must remain within the confines of the technical area, where such an area is provided and they must behave in a responsible manner. Different team officials during the match provided the person returns to his or her position after giving these instructions and behaves in a responsible manner may give tactical instructions.

In instances where a technical are is not provided, as a rule of thumb, the manager or coach should stay within an area of about 5 yards from his own bench (or the 'camp' area where all the team bags are if there are no actual benches). The Referee will need to be very careful about approaching people roaming around the field of play giving instructions. My advice is to approach, and quietly ask them to remain near the team 'camp'. But be aware, on several occasions when I have taken this approach, the perpetrator has replied that he is not an official of the team, but just a supporter. It can be very difficult for the Referee to discern who is a supporter, and who is a team official - so make sure you identify that person's role before you approach them - if in doubt, you can ask the team captain. Coaches roaming around the field of play giving instructions, can give one team an unfair advantage over the other team, especially if the other team's responsible coach remains positioned correctly near the team 'camp'. The managers, substitutes and coaches should also keep well away from the touchline, so that the Assistant Referee or Club Linesman can easily see, and move up and down the touchline without interference. One of my 'Pet' hates, is the youth team coach who insists on yelling at players and walking up and down, two yards inside the field of play. I quickly put them in their place, off the field! (See my Articles 1 page story 'Why can't we have a qualified Referee for all of our Youth games?').

With respect to any 'yelling'. If the manager, coach or substitute is yelling to the players or shouting instructions, there is not really much that the Referee can do. If this becomes a general problem, it is up to the local league associations to define what conduct they will or will not allow. However, if the content of the yelling breaches the criteria for unsporting behavior or is abusive, offensive etc... the Referee should ask the perpetrator to tone it down - or take the necessary disciplinary action. The conduct and control of the game is ultimately the Referee's responsibility, and you can red and yellow card substitutes who behave irresponsibly of the field of play. You can also ask managers and coaches to leave the vicinity of the field of play, if they too become irresponsible - and don't forget to report them to the authorities (or end the game if they do not behave or adhere to your instructions to leave.)
Don't be naive and believe that just because they are managers or coaches, they are allowed to behave in an unsporting or irresponsible fashion.

Question 3: Should a Referee allow a game to start if it is snowing or raining heavily?

Answer 3: Snow and rain are not necessarily safety hazards in themselves, but a frozen pitch should certainly not be used. Fields that have become very wet or covered in deep puddles of water can also be dangerous. Football relies on finite timing, and wet fields can lead to the ball being 'held up' and players mistiming tackles, which in turn can lead to serious injury. Playing in the snow and rain is not pleasant, so those concerned may prefer to reschedule the match if possible, or wait until any downpour has subsided. Thunder and lightning are a very serious matter, and a number of players have been killed. The Referee should be prepared to abandon a game at short notice and get the players under cover during thunderstorms. Players are usually receptive to seeking cover under such circumstance. The Referee can also consider taking a break to allow the storm to pass over before restarting play - but this must be discussed with the captains under cover of the changing rooms, and not on the field of play whilst the storm is brewing overhead.

The first priority of every Referee, manager, coach and grounds man should be to ensure that the field of play is safe for the players. Referees should take a quick walk within the field before each match to ensure that there are no hazards. The Referee is also prone to injuries, so it is in his best interest to thoroughly inspect the field before kick-off.

If snow has obscured the lines after the game has started, the Referee in consultation with his Assistant Referees and the team mangers/captains should determine what is (or can) to be done. The easiest solution is to clear the snow away from the touchline markings by running a shovel quickly along the lines. The Referee should allow sufficient stoppage time for the lines to be cleared. If the snow becomes too much of a problem, the game should be abandoned. The Referee should also be aware that players waiting around in cold conditions become prone to muscle damage when they restart after a long delay. Young players must also be protected - they can not run around to warm up quickly like senior players, so it may be best to abandon matches involving young players. The prime responsibility of a Referee is to ensure the safety of the players - so he must decide if any weather conditions are dangerous to the players or not. It is usually obvious when this happens.

Question 4: I saw a Referee remove the corner flags from a field of play recently during his field inspection. And then played the game without corner flags, is this allowed?

Answer 4: Law 1 states that "A flag post not less than 1.5m (5ft) high, with a non-pointed top and a flag, is placed at each corner. Flag posts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1m (1yd) outside the touchline."

The Referee is within his rights not to play the game, if corner flags are not available. Any such instances should be reported to the authorities.

Corner flags are certainly desirable, especially if the line markings are faint. The Referee should try and arrange for suitable replacement corner flags to be obtained. The Home team is normally responsible for supplying or ensuring that the corner flags are in place and suitable.

Safety is always the paramount consideration. Flags must be at least 1.5m (5 feet) in height to minimize the likelihood that a player will be impaled on one. If one or more of the corner flags are unsafe, the Referee may well decide to remove all of them. This Referee was probably removing the flags because they were too short or because they were damaged and unsafe and could not be replaced. The Referee should decide whether or not to play the game without the corner flags. If the Referee decides to play without corner flags, players will need to be told that any open dispute as to whether a ball is a throw-in, corner or goal kick will not be tolerated, and should this happen, they will be instantly disciplined for dissent. I have officiated in a number of games where suitable corner flags have not been available, and even after I have asked players to accept difficult decisions near the corner, I have still had problems with dissent - so be prepared to discipline players who overstep the mark!
I see this almost as a double-indiscipline, one moaning about my decision, and two - unsporting failing to accept that it is nearly impossible for the Referee to discern whether a ball is a corner kick or goal kick when it quickly goes of the field of play near the corner.

Halfway flags are optional.

Question 5:What action should the Referee take if the cross bar becomes displaced or damaged?

Answer 5: FIFA specifically mentions this in the Laws:

"If the cross bar becomes displaced or broken, play is stopped until it has been repaired or replaced in position. If a repair is not possible, the match is abandoned. The use of a rope to replace the crossbar is not permitted. If the crossbar is repaired, the match is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when the play was stopped."

The Referee should make every attempt to arrange repair of the crossbar (or for a replacement to be provided). A number of players have been killed, due to crossbars falling on their heads - the Referee should therefore not compromise players' safety in making the repairs, or sanctioning anything that is not 100 percent safe. If in any doubt as to the suitability and safety of a repaired or replacement crossbar, the Referee is advised to abandon the game. Tape, rope and wire are wonderful things, but may not be able to hold the weight of the crossbar, or sustain a fiercely driven shot.

You must have a crossbar in place before a game can commence. Rope is definitely not suitable!

See Goalpost Safety in Question 10 below.

Question 6: Exactly what is the 6 yard goal area (six yard box) used for? Back in the 'old days', the goalkeeper was 'protected' within this area, but was deemed fair game for a fair charge anywhere outside of it. Referees now seem to fully protected goalkeepers within the entire penalty area INCLUDING the goal area. Is the goal area only there as a spot to place the ball for a goal kick or does it have any other significance?

Answer 6: Before 1998, Law 12 stipulated that an indirect free kick should be awarded if an opponent (fairly) charged the goalkeeper in his own goal area - when the goalkeeper had possession of the ball. Charging the goalkeeper outside of his goal area was permitted.

In those days, an indirect free kick was awarded for charging the goalkeeper, except when he:

- (a) Was holding the ball;

- (b) Was obstructing an opponent;

- (c) Had passed outside his goal area.

The wording above was left out of the 1997/998 rewrites of the new Laws of the Game. A fair charge has also disappeared (a charge is either a foul or it is not a foul). Referees now err on the side of caution when protecting goalkeepers, and I believe this is a very good improvement on the lot of goalkeepers. They certainly seem to have more teeth these days.

Therefore, the goal area is now only really used to mark out the area in which goal-kicks and free-kicks for the defense can be taken. In addition, if a drop ball needs to be taken or an indirect free-kick(awarded to the attacking team) occurs inside the goal area, the restart is taken on a place on the goal line, parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

Question 7: What is the exact point at which the goalkeeper is considered to be out of the penalty area? Is it when his feet cross the penalty area line, is it when any part of his body crosses the penalty area line, or is it only when his hands are outside of the penalty area line?

Answer 7: It is only the position of the ball that matters or determines whether a foul has been committed or not.

Unless the entire ball is completely outside of the penalty area line at the moment it is handled, the goalkeeper has not committed any foul. For example, when a goalkeeper is preparing to kick the ball out from his hands, or throw it into the air whilst he is still inside the penalty area, his momentum will very often take him outside of his penalty area. So long as he releases the ball whilst he is still in his penalty area, no infringement has occurred. It can be very difficult for the Referee (and particularly the Assistant Referee) to judge the exact moment when the goalkeeper releases the ball before he 'punts' or throws it out of his penalty area. Do not be too finicky about penalizing goalkeepers unless it is VERY obvious that he still has the ball in his hands, and the ball is DEFINITELY outside of the penalty area. Assistant Referees are advised that gaining a new position to look for off sides is more important than trying to see if the goalkeeper handles the ball just outside or just inside the penalty area, when he is rushing out to 'punt' the ball up field.

If the goalkeeper is outside of the penalty area but the ball and his hands remain either inside or on the penalty area line then no offence has been committed - the line itself is part of the penalty area The position of the ball is the only thing that determines whether the goalkeeper has handled outside his area or not. If the goalkeeper is standing inside his penalty area, stretches his arms outside of the penalty area, and catches the ball (which remains outside of the area), then this is handball, and a direct free kick should be awarded. And a sending-off for the goalkeeper if it prevented a goal scoring opportunity. Sometimes, when making a save near his goal line, the goalkeeper will save the shot, but in doing so backs his body into his own goal, but has been very careful to ensure that his hands and the ball remain on the field of play and not over the goal line for a goal. A goal should not be awarded in this instance, as the ball has not fully crossed over the goal line.

The same principle applies when a player who is trying to keep the ball in play runs outside the field of play and manages to keep the ball in play by kicking it before it rolls over the touch line out of play. Is the ball out because the player was outside the touchline - absolutely not. I have seen players keep the ball in play just inside the touchline, and because of their momentum, run around the Assistant Referee (to prevent an unpleasant collision) and regain possession some yards further down and on the field of play. There is nothing illegal about this action. You cannot caution the player for leaving the field of play without your permission, because common sense (Law 18) deems that this was a natural playing action that could not be prevented - and the player was not trying to cheat the Laws in any way.

Question 8: If there is a huge puddle right where the penalty spot is, where should the ball be placed if a penalty kick is awarded?

Answer 8:The Laws make no explicit provision or guidance to allow the Referee or the kicker to move the ball elsewhere than the prescribed penalty mark puddle (12yds/11m from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant to them). Even though the penalty spot is underwater, the player or the Referee is not officially allowed to place the ball elsewhere. One or two officious Referees may require the kicker to take the shot from the puddle, but generally, Referees will use common sense as to the exact positioning of the ball. There are no stipulations as to the size of the mark. Law 1 states, "Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made....". This could be a cross, a circle, a spot, a square, a triangle, somebody's telephone number!!!!!. Some fields of play invariably do not have a mark at all, some have a dollop of mud to mark the spot, and a slight hollow can identify most. Some slight movement of the ball during placement should be allowed, but the Referee's word is Law.

Question 9: Does the Referee have any say in where - or where not - the spectators are allowed to stand (or sit) during the game?

Answer 9: The Referee is in charge of the game. He does not normally have any say in where spectators can or cannot stand.

There have been instances at local park level football, where the supporters of one team may decide to stand behind, or near the opposition goal, with the sole aim of distracting the goalkeeper during the game - in the hope that he will make a mistake and let in a goal. So long as the spectators do not enter the field of play, and are not openly abusive, there is not much the Referee can do about it. At local park level football it may be possible to persuade parents and spectators to keep away from the goal posts, and touchlines but this relies on their good will.

The official Laws of Associated Football (LOAF) do not specify where spectators/fans can sit. In large football stadiums the most rowdy fans are often found immediately behind each goal. At local park level during the taking of kicks from the penalty mark to decide the outcome of a match. If the spectators are already standing behind one goal, and then purposefully move to stand immediately behind the goal being used for the penalty kicks - with the sole purpose of distracting the kickers, there is not really much you can do as a Referee. It's all part of the game. It is a spectator sport after all!

Question 10:During a lofted shot on goal, the goalkeeper who was off his line, ran back and purposefully hangs on the crossbar, bending the crossbar down with his weight - and the ball which would (or could) have gone in the goal, landed on the top of the goal net. What action should the Referee take, and how should he restart the game.

Answer 10: The act of hanging on crossbars used to be a favorite ploy by goalkeepers in the 1970's. Apart from being very dangerous, it is deemed to be unsporting behavior. The goalkeeper should be cautioned. Not only is it dangerous to the goalkeeper, but it can also be dangerous to other players.

Many players have been killed by the instability of goal structures - particularly displaced crossbars.

In this question, the goalkeeper's action may have interfered with the result of the game, because the ball hit the top of the goal net instead of possibly going into the goal. The Referee cannot award a goal, as the ball did not fulfill Law 10 (The Method of Scoring) - "the whole of the ball did not pass over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar."

Law 12 mentions specific sending off offences for denying goal scoring opportunities:

- (a) handling the ball, and

- (b) denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving
towards the players goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a
penalty kick.

These are clearly "denying goal scoring opportunities" - but there is no mention of infringements such as the goalkeeper hanging on the crossbar. Law 12 does not cover bending of a crossbar. As this offence is neither '(a) handling the ball' or ' (b) 'an offence against an opponent' it cannot (in Law) be deemed 'denying a goal scoring opportunity' even though the action committed by the goalkeeper may have prevented the ball form entering the goal.

The Referee would be in a very difficult position because of the action of the goalkeeper. It would be very difficult for a Referee to decide whether the ball would have entered the goal, or just landed on the top of the crossbar. It would be almost impossible to call. The Referee should caution the goalkeeper for unsporting behavior, and award the attacking team an indirect free kick on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest where the offence occurred (i.e. where the goalkeeper hung on
the crossbar).

Law 12 allows the Referee to award an indirect free kick in this instance "An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the Referee commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player."

Another option would be to caution the goalkeeper, and restart the game with a goal kick (or a corner kick if the ball touched the goalkeeper's hand) but this gives the advantage to the goalkeeper's team - and this is clearly unfair.

There may be the very rare occasion when the goalkeeper to prevent injuring himself does the action of hanging on the crossbar. For example, whilst attempting to make a save, the goalkeeper leaps into the air and 'clatters' into the top of a goalpost. This action stuns and unbalances the goalkeeper who instinctively makes a grab for the crossbar to steady him. If the Referee thinks that this action was inadvertent (not done deliberately) on the goalkeeper's part (and not purposefully done to prevent the ball entering the goal) - then this should be deemed to be accidental, and no punishment is required.

Particularly where children are concerned, Referees are responsible for the safety of players, and should prevent accidents by stopping children from climbing on the nets or hanging from the crossbar.

Goalpost Safety

The English Football Association launched a major campaign in August 2000 aimed at highlighting goalpost safety throughout grassroots football. The drive comes after the deaths of nine children in accidents involving goalposts over the last few years. Check It - make sure goalposts are in good condition and properly constructed. Homemade goalposts never be used - they do not have built-in safety features and may be particularly hazardous for younger players.

Secure It - goalposts of any size must be securely anchored to the ground. Portable goalposts must be pinned or weighted down to prevent them toppling forward, and should be removed from the pitch when not in use and stored
securely.

Test It - adults should test the goalposts to make sure they are stable by exerting a downward force on the crossbar, backward force on both upright posts and forward force on both upright posts.

Respect It - goalposts should only be used for their intended purpose; in particular, children should not swing on them.

(Adam Crozier England FA). "Everyone involved with playing and organizing football must play their part to ensure that the tragic accidents that have so disfigured the game in the past never happen again."

Question 11: Before the start of the game, one of the players complains to the Referee that a goal structure is insecure, and is in danger of falling over. What action should the Referee take?

Answer 11: Insecure goals present a very serious safety hazard when they are not properly secured firmly in the ground. Young players are killed every year by unstable crossbars falling on them. Most goals are permanent, but many types are portable. Permanent goals are usually dug into the ground, and wedged in safely. Portable temporary goals are usually made of lighter-weight transportable materials, and are not as strong and stable as their permanent counterparts. Portable goals (and permanent goals) should be tested to see if they can withstand the forces of football, such as a fierce shot, or a player accidentally tumbling into them. Giving the goals a good shaking can do this. Portable goals are normally best secured with long metal "U" type brackets or stakes that are driven well into the ground holding the rear and sides of the goal. Weights such as heavy sand bags are also sometimes used to improve stability. The Referee should not start the game until he is convinced of the safety of both goal structures. In this instance, the Referee should call for the goal to be safely rectified. If this cannot be done, and no replacement is readily available, then he should cancel the game.

Question 12: Why do you have to have a halfway line?

Answer 12: The halfway line serves the following purposes:

- (a) It allows the officials to ensure that all players are in their own half of the field when a kick-off is taken.

- (b) It is also important in judging whether a player is in an offside position or not.

- (c) It divides the field of play into two identical halves.

- (d) It is useful for tactical moves and discussions.

- (e) It indicates the position where substitutes can enter and leave the field of play.

- (f) and it looks nice!

I'm sure that there are more reasons; let me know if you can think of any more. e-mail me.

Question 13: In cases of offside and place kicks, is a player standing directly on top of the half way line deemed to be standing inside his half of the field of play?

Answer 13:Use common sense, as there is no offence.

Question 14: During a game, it was noticed that one of the corner flag posts had broken. The Referee used one of the halfway line flag posts to replace the broken one. Is this allowed, and can the game proceed without halfway flag posts in place?

Answer 14: Law 1 states that flag posts may also be placed at the end of each halfway line, not less than 1m (1yd) outside the touchline. It is nice to have halfway flags, but this is not a requirement of the game. The Referee used his common sense in replacing the broken corner flag with a halfway flag post.

Question 15: Are 'dotted' lines allowed when marking out the field of play?

Answer 15: Definitely not. The lines must be continuous and not dotted or broken.

Question 16: A goalkeeper was seen to be making marks with his boot along the center of his penalty area. Is this allowed, and what action should the Referee take?

Answer 16: Unauthorized markings are not allowed on the field of play. If the markings were made before the start of play, the Referee could caution the goalkeeper for unsporting behavior. If the marks are made during play, then the Referee could caution the goalkeeper when the ball next goes out of play. It is not permitted to have additional lines on the field of play for the benefit of the goalkeeper. There was a time in the 1980's when goalkeepers always marked the field of play by scraping their boot down along the middle length of the penalty areas, to give them an idea of the center of the goal when they challenged for the oncoming ball - but this habit has now thankfully stopped.

Question 17:Is the area under the goal post and under the goal nets part of the field of play or penalty area?

Answer 17: No. This area is not part of the field of play or the penalty area. A penal foul occurring in this area by an attacker would not be a penalty - this area is not part of the penalty area. If the goalkeeper decides to punch an attacker in this area, then this is also NOT a penalty (but don't forget to send the goalkeeper off for violent conduct).

Beware during corner kicks, of attacking players running into this area whilst the ball is in play from the corner kick, in an attempt to distract the goalkeeper. Any such antics should be curtailed. Players are not allowed to leave the field of play without the Referees permission. If a goal is scored from a corner, and an attacker has purposefully run into this area or around the goalkeeper whilst the ball was in flight, then the goal should not be allowed to stand. This action is deemed as unfair on the part of the attacking player and can be very distracting for the goalkeeper.

Law 12 states that "An indirect free kick can be awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the Referee commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player." But because the indirect free kick needs to be taken where the incident occurred, an indirect free kick restart cannot be used (because the incident occurred under the goal net and outside of the field of play and whilst the ball was in play).

Therefore, if the incident occurred outside of the field of play whilst the ball was in play, the only restart allowed by Law is a dropped ball to be taken where the ball was when the attacking player stepped under the goal net. Because the offence actually occurs outside of the field of play (under the goal net) - the Referee cannot award an indirect free kick outside of the field of play. The restart for any offences committed outside of the field of play whilst the ball is still in play is always dropped ball. The Referee can also caution the attacking player for either unsporting conduct, or for leaving the field of play without the Referee's permission.

The correct restart is a dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when the Referee either stopped play or where the ball was when the attacking player stepped under the goal net. But it is strongly advised that the ball be dropped by the Referee straight to the goalkeeper, and does not involve an attacking player. This way, justice is seen to have been done, and play can resume fairly.

Question 18:On arrival at a field of play, the grass was found to be overgrowing. There were also some deep ruts in the muddy ground. The players and the team managers have already made a pitch inspection, and have agreed between themselves that they would be happy to play the match. The Referee carefully inspects the field of play, and decides that the pitch is not safe or fit for play. The players and the team managers - all who have traveled some distance - angrily approach the Referee to remonstrate about the cancelled game. Is the Referee correct to go against everyone else's view - especially as the Referee gets paid whether the match is played or not.

Answer 18:If the Referee had allowed the match to be played on an unsafe field, he would have been accepting responsibility for its condition, and for any injuries incurred as a result of the field deficiencies, even though all those concerned said they were prepared to accept the consequences of any accident. The Referee has a duty to closely inspect the condition of the pitch before every game The Referee must always consider the safety of the players. If the Referee has any doubt as to the safety of the players because of the field deficiencies, then he should not allow the match to take place. It can be very difficult for the Referee to go against others' wishes. My common-sense advice, is for Referees to rely on their intuition, it is usually blatantly obvious when a field condition is dangerous. Players and managers are always very friendly when they want something, but they can turn monstrously dangerous in an instance, if one of their key players suddenly breaks an ankle because of stepping into a deep rut.

In The League of Wales (UK), a goalkeeper received £20,000 damages because of an illegal substance used by the Camarthen local council to mark the penalty spot, scared him for life - so Referees MUST inspect the field of play properly and thoroughly.

Question 19: A match was being played on a flat level playing field, but during the half-time interval, a very large heavy fairground lorry drives across the field leaving dangerous and deep furrows across the playing surface. It is impossible to repair the surface before the second half commences.

Another field is available nearby, and both teams agree to the change. The alternative field slopes down considerably from one goal to the other, and the wind has now increased and is blowing strongly down the slope. Which team has the choice of ends?

Answer 19: Law 8 states that the winner of the coin tossing at the start of the game, decides which goal it will attack in the first half of the match - the other team takes the kick-off.

The team that did not kick-off in the first half, kicks-off in the second half. The kick-off for the second half (on the alternative field) is fairly straightforward and should not cause a problem. It is the selection of halves on the alternative sloping field that is the problem.

In this instance, the coin tossing ceremony had already taken place before the commencement of the first half. If the alternative field had been flat, then it should not really matter which half the teams played - BUT - it would matter if the alternative flat field was at right angles to the original field and the sun was glaring down towards one of the goals. This would give one team an unfair advantage in the second half.

The Referee can resort to Law 18 Common Sense: There are really only two solutions here:

- (a). If the alternative field is situated in such a position, that both halves are the same. For example, both halves of the field are flat, there is no wind blowing from end to end, the sun is not a problem - then just toss the coin again before commencement of the second half. The winner chooses ends, and the team who should have kicked off the second half on the original field, kicks-off on the alternative field.

- (b). If the alternative field has a slope, or one half is different to the other (for example, one of the goals may have a muddy puddle in, and the other goal area may be dry) or the sun is shining strongly in one direction. Toss the coin again for the start of the second half. The winning team chooses which goal it wants to attack, and the losing team kicks-off. After 22 and a half minutes have transpired, ask the teams to swap halves, and let the team who won the toss in the second half, take the kick-off.

This would allow both teams to have a fair share of any second half hazards. Of course, all of this must be done with the agreement of both teams. If one team is not happy about playing on the alternative field, then the Referee has no alternative but to abandon the game and report the circumstances to the appropriate league authority.

Now consider this. What would you do if the fields were swapped around in this question?

For example, the first half was played on the sloping field, and the team kicking up the slope and against the strong wind, had a very hard time of it. If the game now switches to the flat level field, and the wind disappears in the second half, the team who had played down the slope in the first half on the original field, will have gained a double advantage.

Advantage 1= their opponents had to play up the slope and against the wind in the first half: Advantage 2 = they do not have to play up the slope and against the wind in the second half.

But of course, the answer to this is a separate issue -perhaps you can provide an answer? e-mail me.

The more I thought about this question, the more complex the answer seemed. I just hope that I never come up against it whilst I am Refereeing!

Excellent answer to above question 17 submitted by Mike Sherwin of Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire, ENGLAND. Some very good points I had not even considered! (Webmaster).

This question was asked at a recent North Staffordshire Referee's meeting England. The question then went to the Staffordshire Football Association who gave a clear answer regarding this matter:

Once a match has commenced on a given football pitch it must be completed on that very same pitch. If for whatever reason the pitch becomes dangerous or unplayable at any time after the commencement of the game, then that game must be abandoned.

The transferring of the game to another pitch no matter how near an alternative pitch may be located must not be allowed.
The following list, details some of the reasons:

- (1) The home team is very likely only to hold insurance for a specified football pitch where they usually play their home matches. The insurance will unlikely extend to other pitches, now matter how close by they may be.

- (2) The other pitch is more than likely to be contracted to some other football team, who may rightly have grounds for a complaint if their pitch is used and/or damaged by another team who does not have permission to play on that particular pitch.

- (3) In addition to (2) above, you will probably be unaware of any scheduled fixture dates or times, or training schedules of the other pitch. Therefore, in theory, another set of teams could turn up at a later time, possibly whilst the transferred game is still in progress.

- (4) It is unfair on those other football teams within the same league who only have access to one football pitch no matter what has happened to their usual pitch.

- (5) The dimensions of the pitch could be different; therefore, all things would not be equal for the remainder of the game.

- (6) One of the two teams may for no fault of their own, be disadvantaged by the transfer of football pitches, therefore, the other team is likely to gain an unfair advantage.

- (7) It is definitely something that would not be allowed at the higher levels of football; therefore, the principals should be the same for the lower levels of football too.

Simply abandon the game. It is the correct option to take and it would avoid all of the above possible circumstances that I have listed.

Thanks Mike - from Webmaster

After all that - The question was submitted to the UK Referee's Society I&P Committee in Jan 2001, and the official answer is:

In view of the circumstances of the alternative pitch it was the unanimous view of the committee that the game should be abandoned and the full facts reported to the competition concerned. So there you are!

Question 20:Does the term 'goal area line' only refer to the line parallel to the goal line, or does it mean all lines forming the goal area (not counting the goal line, of course)?

Answer 20:The 'goal area line' (singular) refers specifically to the line parallel to the goal line. The goal area lines(plural) refers to all the lines surrounding the goal area, except the line between the goal posts, this is normally referred to as the goal line - but can mean the whole of the line extending from corner flag to corner flag at one end of the field of play.

The 'goal area line' (singular) is very often referred to when describing where to take a free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the defending team's goal area. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents' goal area, is taken from the goal area line' parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.

Thanks to Tamara from Germany for this question.

Question 21: Is it true that a goalkeeper can play anywhere on the field of play including the opposition's half and is not limited in his movements (other than when he is in his own penalty area where he can use his hands)?

Answer 21: Albeit that he goalkeeper has special privileges and has to adhere to certain Laws when he is inside his own penalty area – as soon as he steps outside of his own penalty area he becomes another outfield player and is subject to exactly the same Laws as the other players.

"Goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel's Manchester United career ends with him going up for a corner, and minutes later, lifting the most famous trophy in European football (1999)."

The famous ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel very often came out of his penalty area to involve himself with corner kicks in the opposition penalty area in the last minute of a game whenever his team were losing by one goal – other goalkeepers very often do this, and it is definitely NOT against the Laws.

In fact, during Manchester United’s famous 1999 European Cup Final against the German side Bayern Munich in Barcelona - in the 91st minute, United’s goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel came up into the opposition’s penalty area for a corner, and confused the whole Bayern Munich defense. As Schmeichel returned upfield, United’s Ryan Giggs crossed the ball to Teddy Sheringham -- the equalizer. In the 92nd minute David Beckham takes a United corner, Teddy Sheringham heads down, and Oli Gunnar Solskjaer volleyed home the second of two goals in the last minute to win Manchester United the biggest Club cup in football. This broke German hearts and secured a place in football history by snatching a miraculous victory with goals in the 91st and 92nd minutes.

European Cup Final 1999:
Manchester Utd 2-1 Bayern Munich

It is the goalkeeper's privilege to handle the ball in his own penalty area - but he is responsible for putting the ball ‘back in play’ as soon as possible (within 6 seconds). The ball is deemed ‘back in play’ as soon as the goalkeeper has released it from his possession (hands) – it then becomes ‘fair game’ for anyone to challenge him for possession of the ball. As soon as he releases the ball from his hands, the goalkeeper becomes another outfield player. (The only difference being that if he picks the ball back up in his penalty area, an indirect free kick is awarded, as opposed to a penalty kick.)

Many thanks to Marc Mitges Oakville, Ontario Canada for this question.