Laws of the Game & FA Rules

Laws of the game

The FA

2024/25 Law changes explained

Read more details about the changes for the season ahead

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The FA

Law 1 - The field of play

The field of play must be a wholly natural or, if competition rules...

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The FA

Law 2 - The ball

Qualities and Measurements - All balls must be: spherical made of...

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The FA

Law 3 - The Players

Number of Players - A match is played by two teams, each...

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The FA

Law 4 - The players' equipment

Safety - A player must not use equipment or wear anything that...

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The FA

Law 5 - The referee

The authority of the referee - each match is controlled by a ...

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The FA

Law 6 - The other match officials

Introduction - Other match officials (two assistant referees,...

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The FA

Law 7 - The duration of the match

Periods of play - A match lasts for two equal halves of 45...

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The FA

Law 10 - Determining the match

Goal Scored - A goal is scored when the whole of the ball...

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The FA

Law 11 - Offside

Offside position - It is not an offence to be in an offside...

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The FA

Law 12 - Fouls and misconduct

Introduction - Direct and indirect free-kicks and penalty kicks can...

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The FA

Law 13 - Free-kicks

Types of free-kick - Direct and indirect free-kicks are awarded...

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The FA

Law 14 - The penalty kick

Introduction - A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits a...

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The FA

Law 15 - The throw-in

Introduction - A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the...

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The FA

Law 16 - The goal kick

Introduction - A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the...

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The FA

Law 17 - The corner kick

Introduction - A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the...

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FURTHER GUIDANCE

The FA

Essential Information For Players

Download The FA's app for Professional and Semi Professional Players

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The FA

The FA Handbook Archive

Download The FA Handbook from previous seasons

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