World Cup Participation Rules and what the participating countries have to qualify for

Rules of Football

Rules of 11-a-side Football

I. Pitch

(1) Area:

The pitch must be rectangular, its length, can not be more than one hundred and thirty yards, nor shorter than one hundred yards; its width more than one hundred yards, nor shorter than fifty yards. (For international matches

the length of the pitch is from one hundred and ten yards to one hundred and twenty yards, and the breadth from seventy yards to eighty yards.) In all cases, the length must be greater than the width.

(2) Boundaries:

The playing field must have clear boundaries, the lines must not be more than five inches (twelve centimeters) wide, and there must be no V-shaped grooves. The line that is longer on either side is called the touchline; the line that is shorter at each end

is called the endline (or goal line). At each corner of the pitch there shall be erected a small flat-topped flagpole, the height of which shall not be less than five feet (one metre fifty centimetres); and a flagpole of the same pattern shall be erected at each end of the center line of the pitch, at least one yard from the sideline.

The center line shall run across the pitch, and the shortest of the two shall be called the goal line. The center line shall run across the court, and a clear point shall be marked in the center of the court,

and a circle shall be drawn with this point as the center and a radius of ten yards.

(3) GOAL AREA:

On the end lines (goals) at each end of the field, each six yards from the goal posts, a six-yard long plumb line shall be drawn into the field so as to be at right angles to the end lines, and a further line shall be drawn to connect these two plumb lines

extending to the ends of the field, and parallel to the end lines, and the ground within these three lines and the end lines shall be called the goal area.

(4) Penalty Area:

On the end lines at each end of the field, eighteen yards from each goal post, draw a vertical line eighteen yards into the field, so that at right angles to the end line, and draw a line to connect these two vertical lines toward

the ends of the field and parallel to the end line, the ground within the three lines and the end line, called the penalty area. At the center of the goal line, twelve yards from the field, each of which is clearly marked

this is the penalty spot for a twelve-yard penalty kick. Take each

penalty point as the center of a circle, with a radius of ten yards, and draw an arc outside the penalty area.

(5) CORNER ZONES:

Take each corner flag pole erection point as the center of a circle with a one-yard radius and draw a quarter of a circle inside the field.

(6) GOALS:

The goals shall be located in the center of the two end lines and shall have two straight vertical posts with a crossbar on them, and the distance from the two posts to the corner flag shall be equal.

The distance between the two goal posts shall be eight yards (measured from the inside of the posts), and the underside of the crossbar shall be eight feet from the ground. The width of the goal posts and cross timbers shall be the same.

Neither the width nor the thickness of the posts or the crosspieces shall exceed five inches (12 centimeters). A net may be fitted behind the goal, attached to the goalposts, transom and

ground, but this net should be properly supported so as to give the goalkeeper plenty of room for maneuver.

The net can be made of hemp, jute or nylon thread, but the nylon chemical fiber rope, can not be smaller than the hemp or jute woven.

Resolution of the FIFA Rules Group

(1) The maximum area of a pitch for an international match shall be a length of 110 meters and a width of 64 meters.

(2) National Football Associations must lay out their pitches in strict compliance with the prescribed area. When organizing an international match, the National Football Association of the visiting team must be notified of the location of the match and the size of the pitch before the match is played.

(3) The National Football Association shall notify the visiting team of the location of the match and the size of the pitch.

(3) The FIFA Rules Panel has agreed that the English and metric systems used in the rules are as follows:

One hundred and thirty yards .......... One hundred and twenty meters

One hundred and twenty yards .......... One hundred and ten meters

One hundred and ten yards .......... One hundred meters

One hundred yards ................ Ninety meters

Eighty yards ................ Seventy-five meters

Seventy yards ................ Sixty-four meters

50 yards ................ Forty-five meters

Eighteen yards ................ Sixteen meters and fifty centimeters

12 yards ................ Eleven meters

Ten yards ................... Nine meters and fifteen centimeters

Eight yards ................... Seven meters thirty-two centimeters

Six yards ................... Five meters fifty centimeters

One yard ................... One meter

Eight feet ................ Two meters forty-four centimeters

Five feet ................ One meter fifty centimeters

Twenty-eight inches .......... Seventy-one centimeters

Twenty-seven inches .......... Sixty-eight centimeters

Five inches ................ Twelve centimeters

Three-quarters of an inch ....... One point nine centimeters

One-half inch ....... One point two seven centimeters

Three-eighths of an inch ....... One centimeter

(4) The width of the end lines shall be the same as the thickness of the goal posts and crosspieces, so that the lines on the inside and outside edges of the goal posts shall be the same width.

(5) For the purpose of delineating the goal area and the penalty area, the six and eighteen yard distances measured on the end line must be measured from the inside of the goal posts.

(6) The area of the field, including the width of the boundaries of each area of the field.

(7) For all matches, standard equipment shall be provided in accordance with the rules of soccer, particularly for international matches, with particular attention to the circumference of the ball and other facilities. Any substandard equipment must be reported to the Federation Internationale de Football Association.

(8) A game played in accordance with the Laws of the Game shall be stopped immediately, or even canceled, if the crossbar is dislodged or broken, unless

the crossbar has been put back in its original position or the newly installed crossbar is no longer dangerous to the players. A rope cannot be used in place of a crossbar. In a friendly

match, by mutual agreement, play may continue with a goal without a crossbar, provided that the broken crossbar is removed so that it is not

dangerous to the players. In this case, a rope may be used in place of the crossbar, and if no rope is used and the ball crosses the

end line all the way between the goalposts, and the referee is satisfied that it has passed underneath the crossbar, he shall award a goal for the winning goal. A fresh start of the game shall be made by the referee at the place where the ball was dropped to continue play when the game was

stopped.

(9) The National Football Associations may make

appropriate regulations on the thickness of the crossbar and goalposts, and on the maximum and minimum amount of breadth, within the limits laid down in Chapter I of the Laws.

(10) The goalposts and crosspieces must be made of wood, metal or a substance approved at any time by the FIFA Rules Panel. It may be

square, rectangular, circular, semi-circular or oval in shape. No other substance may be used to make the goalposts and crosspieces into any other shape.

(11) The insertion of a "Prologue Match" before an International Match shall be decided on the day of the Match by the representatives of the two Associations and the referee of the International Match in question

, who shall examine the ground conditions at the time.

(12) National Football Associations, particularly those hosting international matches, must limit the number of photographers and draw a line at least two meters long, not more than ten (10) meters from the goal line, at approximately the same distance from the flagpole, beyond which photographers shall be prohibited from exceeding, and the use of flash lamps shall be prohibited.

II. Ball

Materials and Standards

The ball is round.

Made of leather or other suitable materials.

The circumference of the ball shall not exceed 70 centimeters (28 inches) and shall not be less than 68 centimeters (27 inches). The weight of the ball shall not exceed 450 grams (16 ounces) and shall not be less than 410 grams (14 ounces) at the start of the Game. The air pressure of the ball shall be 0.6 to 1.1 atmospheres (600 to 1,100 grams per square centimeter = 8.5 to 15.6 pounds per square inch) on a sea level surface.

The air pressure of the ball shall not exceed 450 grams (16 ounces) and shall not be less than 410 grams (14 ounces).

Replacement of Substandard Balls

If a ball breaks or is substandard during play:

Stop play.

Replace the ball with a standard ball and restart play by crashing the ball at the point where it broke. If the ball was in the goal area at the time, the spot where the ball was dropped is on the goal area line parallel to the goal line, closest to where the ball was when play was stopped. If the ball breaks or is substandard when it is not in play, e.g. on a kick-off from midfield, a goal kick, a corner kick, a free kick, a penalty kick or a throw-in:

The play is restarted in accordance with the rules.

The match ball may not be changed during match time without the referee's consent.

FIFA Resolutions

Resolution 1

Only balls that comply with the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Laws are permitted to be used in official matches.

Footballs used in matches organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and matches under the jurisdiction of the continental soccer confederations must bear one of the following three marks:

The official FIFA APPROVED mark.

The official FIFA INSPECTED mark.

The certificate of the INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD.

The presence of these marks on a soccer ball indicates that it has been duly tested and that, in addition to conforming to the basic specifications laid down in Chapter II of the Regulations, it also conforms to the technical specifications of the various marks.

The technical specifications of the various marks must be determined by the International Matchball Association. The technical specifications of the various marks must be approved by the President of the FIFA Council. The body carrying out the inspection shall be approved by the FIFA.

Competitions of National Football Associations may prescribe the use of a soccer ball bearing one of these three marks. All other balls used in matches must conform to the provisions of Chapter II of the Rules.

RESOLUTION 2

In competitions sponsored by the International Football Association and competitions under the jurisdiction of the continental soccer confederations and the national soccer associations, the ball used in matches may not have a commercial, other than the emblem of the competition and the organizing body, and the trademarks of the authorized manufacturers. The competition regulations may specify the size and number of these marks.

3. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Players

A match shall be played between two teams, each of which may have no more than eleven (11) players, one of whom shall be the goalkeeper. If either team has fewer than seven players, the match may not start

.

Official matches

The maximum number of substitutions for each team in any official match organized under the jurisdiction of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the Union of Continental Football Associations (UEFA) or the National Football Associations (NFA) shall be three (3) per team.

The match regulations must specify how many substitutes may be nominated. The list of substitutes may be filled with three and a maximum of seven players.

Other matches

For other matches, the maximum number of substitutes is 5 and must be in accordance with the following rules:

The teams concerned agree on the maximum number of substitutes.

Notify the referee before the start of the match.

If the referee is not notified or a decision is not made before the start of the match, no more than three players may be substituted.

All matches

The list of substitutes for all matches must be sent to the referee before the start of the match. No substitute may play in a match without having presented his name at the start of the match.

Replacement Procedures

Replacement of a player for a match must be made in accordance with the following rules:

The referee shall be notified prior to replacing a player.

The replacement player shall wait until the substituted player has left the court and has received a signal of permission from the referee before entering the court.

Substitutes shall enter the court from the center line only during a stoppage in play.

The substitution is completed when the substitute enters the court.

When the substitution is complete, the substitute becomes the player in the match and the substituted player loses his status as the player in the match.

A player who has been substituted off the pitch cannot play again.

All substitutes shall be subject to the judgment and jurisdiction of the referee whether or not they are playing.

Changing Goalkeepers

Any player may change places with the goalkeeper and must do so in accordance with the following:

The referee shall be notified prior to the change of places.

The change of position takes place during a stoppage of play.

Offences and penalties

If a substitute enters the field without the referee's permission:

Stoppage of play.

The substitute is warned and shown a yellow card and must leave the pitch.

The game is restarted by crashing the ball where it was at the time play was stopped. If the ball was in the goal area, the spot where the ball was dropped is

on the goal area line parallel to the goal line, closest to where the ball was at the time play was stopped.

If a player exchanges places with the goalkeeper without obtaining the referee's permission:

Play continues.

When the ball is not in play, the player concerned is warned and a yellow card is shown.

Other infractions of the rules of this chapter:

Warning the player concerned and raising the yellow card.

Restarting the game

If play is stopped because the referee enforces a warning:

The opposing team restarts the game by kicking a free kick from the spot where the ball was at the time of the stoppage of play. If the defending team takes an indirect free kick in their own

goal area, the ball may be kicked at any point in the goal area. If the attacking team is playing an indirect free

kick in the opposing team's goal area, the kick is taken at the point on the goal area line parallel to the goal line, closest to where the foul occurred.

Players and substitutes penalized for leaving the field of play

A player who is penalized for leaving the field of play prior to the start of the match may be substituted for one of the nominated substitutes. A substitute may not be substituted for a player who has been sent off, either before or after the match has started.

A player who has been sent off before the match has started may be substituted from one of the nominated substitutes.

RESOLUTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

RESOLUTION 1

In accordance with Chapter 3 of the Regulations, the minimum number of players in each team shall be determined by the National Associations. In the opinion of the IFA Council,

if any team has fewer than seven players, the match shall not continue.

RESOLUTION 2

During a match, the coach may communicate technical instructions to the players. On courts with technical areas, coaches and other team staff must be within the technical area and be restrained at all times in their speech and behavior.

Resolution 3

IV. PLAYER EQUIPMENT

SECURITY

Players may not wear equipment or any item (including any jewelry) that is dangerous to themselves or other players.

Basic Equipment

Necessary basic equipment for players includes:

Sweatshirt or shirt.

Shorts - If tights are worn under shorts, the color of the tights should be the same as the primary color of the shorts.

Long socks

Shin guards

Sneakers

Shin guards

All covered inside long socks.

Made of suitable material (rubber, plastic or similar).

Provides a considerable degree of protection.

Goalkeepers

Each goalkeeper's jersey is to be of a different color from that of the clothing of the other players, the referee and the assistant referees.

Infractions and Penalties

Whoever violates the rules of this chapter:

It is not necessary to stop the game.

The referee shall instruct the player violating the rule to leave the court to put on equipment that conforms to the rule.

A player who violates a rule shall leave the court when the ball is not in play unless the player's equipment has been brought into compliance with the rule.

Any player who leaves the court to adjust his equipment may not re-enter the court without the referee's permission.

The referee shall check that a player's equipment complies with the rules before allowing him to re-enter the court.

A player may only be allowed to re-enter the court if the ball is not in play.

A player who leaves the field of play for a violation of a rule in this chapter and who enters (or re-enters) the field of play without the referee's permission shall be warned and shown a yellow card.

Restarting the game

If play is stopped because the referee enforces a warning:

An opposing player of the offending team shall restart the game by kicking a free kick from where the ball was located at the time of the referee's stoppage of play.

If the defending team kicks an indirect free kick in its own goal area, the ball may be kicked at any point in the goal area.

If the attacking team takes an indirect free kick in the opponent's goal area, the kick is taken at the point on the goal area line parallel to the goal line closest

to the position of the foul.

V. REFEREE

AUTHORIZATION OF THE REFEREE

One referee is in control of a match. The referee is authorized to enforce the rules at his/her sole discretion for the game to which he/she is assigned.

Authority and Duties

Enforcement of the rules.

Cooperate with the Assistant Referees (and Reserve Referees) in the control of the game.

To determine that the game ball complies with Chapter 2 of the Rules.

Making sure that the players' equipment complies with the provisions of Chapter IV of the Rules.

To act as match timekeeper and to record the events of the match.

Have the authority to stop, suspend or end a game because of anything that violates the rules.

To stop, suspend, or end a game because of any interference off the field.

To stop play when a player is believed to be seriously injured and do carry the injured player off the court for treatment.

When a player is thought to be only slightly injured, continue play until the ball is out of play and deal with it.

Do enforce that any player bleeding from an injury must be off the court. The injured player must have stopped bleeding and be given the signal by the referee to allow him to enter the court

before entering the court.

The continuation of play does not penalize foul play when the continuation of play will result in a benefit to the team that was fouled. If the expected benefit does not occur, a

prior foul is penalized.

A player who commits more than one type of foul at the same time shall be penalized for the more serious foul.

A player shall be penalized for a foul for which he has been warned and sent off. The referee is not required to take immediate penalizing action, but must penalize when the ball is out of play

.

Team officials who fail to behave responsibly shall be penalized. The referee has the right to eject a team official from the field and the court for four

weeks.

To act on the advice of the Assistant Referee for incidents not seen by the Referee.

To ascertain that no unauthorized person has entered the court.

Restarting play after it has been stopped.

File a match report with the appropriate authority. The report includes allegations of penalty action taken against a player or team official and any other incident that occurred before, during or after the game

.

Referee's Decision

The referee's decision on the facts of the game shall be final.

The referee may change his decision only if he finds it wrong or decides to follow the advice of an assistant referee, provided that the match has not been restarted.

FIFA Resolutions

Resolution 1

The referee (and the assistant referee or reserve referee where applicable) shall not be liable for:

Any injury to a player, official or spectator.

Any damage to any property.

Any loss to any person, club, company, association or other organization.

is or may be caused by a decision of the referee made in accordance with the rules or by the referee's normal procedures for the officiating, conduct and control of the match

.

The referee's decision may include:

The decision to allow or disallow play based on the conditions of the pitch or its surroundings or the weather.

The decision to forfeit a match for any reason.

Decisions regarding court equipment or equipment used in play, including goal posts, goal crossings, corner flag poles and balls.

The decision to stop or not stop play because of spectator interference or any incident in the grandstand area.

The decision to stop or not stop play while allowing an injured player to be carried off the field for treatment.

The decision to request or insist that an injured player be carried off the pitch for treatment.

The decision to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain clothing or equipment.

The decision (which may be regarded as the duty of the referee) to allow or not to allow any person (including team or stadium officials, security personnel, photographers or other media personnel) to be in the vicinity of the ground.

Any decision made in the performance of his duties under the Rules, or under the regulations of the Federation Internationale de Football Association, the Continental Confederation, the National Associations, the Club Federations, or under the Competition Regulations of the Game.

RESOLUTION 2

When a Reserve Referee (Fourth Referee) is appointed for an official match, the role and duties of the Reserve Referee must be carried out in accordance with the rules of the Federation Council

.

Resolution 3

The facts of the match shall include whether a goal was scored and the result of the match.

VII. MATCH TIME

The first and second halves

The match shall consist of two halves of equal duration, the first and second halves being 45 minutes each. The time of the match may be decided otherwise only after the referee has agreed with both teams. Any agreement to change the time of the match (e.g. to reduce the time of the halves to 40 minutes each because of low light) must be made before the start of the match and must be in accordance with the Laws of the Game

Halftime

Players have the right to ask for a halftime break.

The half-time break may not exceed 15 minutes.

The competition regulations of a match must expressly state the duration of the half-time break.

The duration of the half-time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

Make-up time

Make-up time is taken in both halves for the following reasons:

Substitutions.

Checking on injured players.

Carrying injured players off the field for treatment.

Delays.

Any other reason.

Make-up of expended time is at the sole discretion of the referee.

Penalty Penalty Kicks

At the end of the first and second halves or at the end of the first and second halves of an overtime game, an extension of time is permitted until a penalty kick has been taken.

Overtime Games

The playing regulations of a game may provide for an extra time game at the end of a tie game, with the extra time game being two halves of equal duration. The provisions of Chapter VIII of the Rules shall also apply to overtime

games.

Waisted Games

A game that is waisted shall be replayed unless the game's playing regulations provide otherwise.

VIII. STARTING AND RESTARTING THE GAME

PRE-MATCH MEASURES

The coin toss determines the team's side selection. The team that wins the coin toss decides which goal to attack in the first half. The other team kicks off at midfield to start the game.

The team that wins the coin toss kicks off at midfield at the start of the second half. During the second half of the game, the teams switch fields and attack the other side of the field.

Half-time kick-off

The half-time kick-off is a method of starting a game or restarting a game:

At the start of the game

After a goal has been scored

At the start of the second half

At the start of the second and second halves of an overtime game the half-time kick-off goes directly into the goal and can be counted as a goal.

Procedure

All players are in their side's half of the field

An opposing player of the team kicking off must be at least 9.5 meters (10 yards) from the ball before it enters play.

The ball is stationary at the center of the field

The referee signals

The ball is in play when it is kicked forward.

The kick-off player may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player. When one team has scored a goal, the other team kicks off from midfield.

Infractions and penalties

If a kick-off player touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player:

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the place where the infringement took place

Other infractions of the kick-off procedure in the midfield:

Rekick-off

Crash of the ball

When the ball is in play, and for any reason not provided for in the Laws, it is necessary to suspend play. Any reason not provided for in the rules which necessitates a suspension of play, restart the game by crashing the ball.

Procedure

The referee drops the ball where it was at the time of the stoppage of play or, if the ball was in the goal area at the time of the stoppage of play, on the goal area line parallel to the goal

line, closest to the ball's position. When the dropped ball touches the ground, play is restarted.

Infractions and penalties

Reframing the ball:

If a player touches the ball before it touches the ground.

If a player is not touched after the ball touches the ground, the ball bounces off the court.

Special circumstances

A defending team kicking a free kick in its own goal area may kick the ball at any point in the goal area.

The attacking team kicks an indirect free kick inside the opposing team's goal area at the point on the goal area line parallel to the goal line closest to where the foul occurred

. After a stoppage of play, play is restarted with a drop goal, and if the ball was in the goal area at the time play was stopped, the spot for the drop goal is the spot on the goal area line parallel to the

line closest to where the ball was at the time play was stopped.

RULES OF FIVE-a-side FOOTBALL

I. THE FIELD

The boundaries of the field and the ancillary equipment are as shown on the attached diagram.

Length and Width

The pitch shall be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.

Length: Minimum 25 meters Maximum 42 meters

Width: Minimum 15 meters Maximum 25 meters

International Pitch

Length: Minimum 38 meters Maximum 42 meters

Width: Minimum 18 meters Maximum 22 meters

Boundaries of the Pitch

The pitch shall have boundaries. The boundaries of each section of the course are included in the boundaries of each section. The longer boundaries on either side are the touchlines. The shorter boundaries at each end are the goal lines.

All boundaries are 8 centimeters wide. The center line of the pitch divides the pitch into two halves. The center point of the pitch shall be marked right in the middle of the center line. A circle with a radius of 3 meters from the center of the center point is the center circle.

The center circle is the center circle.

Penalty Zones

A penalty zone shall be drawn at each end of the court in accordance with the following regulations: a quarter circle centered on the two goal posts with a radius of 6 meters, one in each direction.

The arcs are drawn from the goal line to an imaginary line perpendicular to the goal line from the outside of the goal posts. A 3.16-meter connecting line parallel to the goal line is drawn at the upper end of both arcs.

The area surrounding the two arcs, the connecting line and the goal line is the penalty area.

Penalty Point

The penalty point is 6 meters from the midpoint between the two goal posts and is equidistant from both goal posts.

Second Penalty Point

The second penalty point is 10 meters from the midpoint between the two goal posts and is equidistant from both goal posts.

Corner Zone Arc

A quarter-circle arc is drawn within each of the four corners of the field, centered on the corners of the field and having a radius of 25 meters.

Substitute Area

The substitute area is on the same side of the field as the team seats. The substitution area is located directly in front of each team's seats. Substitutions should be made by players entering and leaving the court through the substitution area.

The substitution area is located on the same side of the court as the team seats.

The substitution area is located directly in front of each team's seats and is 5 meters in length. A line shall be drawn on each side, perpendicular to the touchline, 8 centimeters in width and 80 centimeters in length, 40 centimeters inside the court and 40 centimeters outside the court.

Each substitution area shall be located directly in front of each team's seating area.

The distance from each substitution area to the intersection of the center line and the sideline is 5 meters. The space between the two substitution areas, directly in front of the timekeeper's table, shall be kept clear.

Goal

The goal shall be located in the center of the goal line.

The goal consists of two upright goalposts, framed by a horizontal crossbar. The two goal posts are equidistant from the corners of the pitch. The distance between the two goal posts (measured from the inside edge of the posts) is 3 meters, and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2 meters. The width and thickness of the two goal posts and the crossbar are the same as 8 centimeters. The net is made of hemp, jute or nylon rope. The net is hung at the back of the goal and is attached to the goal posts and the crossbar. The lower edge of the net should be fixed by bending iron bars or other methods of

support. The depth of the goal, extending from the inside edge of the goal post to the outside of the pitch, shall be at least 80 centimeters above and at least 100 centimeters above the ground.

Security

The goal can be moved. The goal must be fixed to the ground during play.

Pitch Surface

The surface of the pitch must be flat and straight, with no divots. It is usually made of wood or synthetic substances and concrete or tarred materials should be avoided.

FIFA Resolutions

Resolution 1

A pitch where the goal line is 15 to 16 meters long has a penalty area circle with a radius of only 4 meters. In such a stadium, the position of the penalty spot is not on the boundary of the penalty area, but

still 6 meters from the mid-point between the two goalposts and equidistant from the two goalposts.

RESOLUTION 2

The surface of pitches for ordinary matches may be natural turf, artificial turf or clay, but may not be used as pitches for international matches.

Resolution 3

A vertical line may be drawn on the outside of the goal line of the pitch, 5 meters from the arc of the corner kick area. It is true that when kicking a corner kick the defending player is enforced to maintain this distance. The vertical line is

8 centimeters wide.

RESOLUTION 4

The seating position for each team is on the outside of the touchline, adjacent to the space directly in front of the timekeeper's table.

II. Balls

Materials and Standards

The balls are round.

Made of leather or other suitable material.

The circumference of the ball, shall not exceed 64 centimeters and shall not be less than 62 centimeters.

The weight of the ball, at the start of the game, must not exceed 440 grams and must not be less than 400 grams.

The air pressure of the ball shall be 0.4 to 0.6 atmospheres at sea level.

Replacement of substandard ball

If, during a match, the ball breaks or is substandard:

Stop the match.

Replace the ball with a standard one and restart play by crashing the ball at the point where it broke.

If the ball is broken or substandard when not in play, e.g. at half-time kick-off, throw-in, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or kick-in:

restart the game in accordance with the rules. The match ball may not be changed during match time without the referee's consent.

RESOLUTION OF THE FIFA

RESOLUTION 1

No ball made of felt may be used in international matches.

Resolution 2

The ball shall not bounce more than 65 centimeters or less than 50 centimeters when it first hits the ground from a height of 2 meters.

The ball used in matches organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and matches under the jurisdiction of the Union of Continental Football Associations (UEFA) must bear one of the following three marks:

The official "FIFA APPROVED" mark.

The official FIFA INSPECTED mark.

INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD

The presence of these marks on a soccer ball indicates that it has been duly tested and conforms to the technical specifications of the various marks, in addition to the basic specifications set out in Chapter 2 of the Regulations.

The technical specifications for the various marks are issued by the FIFA. The body carrying out the inspection is selected by the FIFA. National Football Associations may stipulate that their matches be played with a ball bearing one of these

three marks

.

All other balls used in matches must comply with the provisions of Chapter II of the Rules. National soccer associations that require balls with the FIFA APPROVED logo or the FIFA INSPECTED logo to be used in their matches must also allow the use of balls with the fee-free INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD logo.

For matches organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, and matches under the jurisdiction of the continental soccer federations and national soccer associations, the balls used in the matches may not bear commercial advertising, except for the emblems of the competing and organizing bodies and the trademarks of the authorized manufacturers. The competition regulations may specify the size and number of these logos.

III. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

PLAYERS

A match shall be played by two teams against each other, with no more than five players from each team, one of whom shall be the goalkeeper.

Replacement Procedures

Replacement of players may be made in any official match organized by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the continental soccer confederations or the national soccer associations in accordance with the rules.

Substitutions are limited to a maximum of seven players. There is no limit to the number of substitutions that can be made during a match. A player who has been substituted may be substituted for another player

. Substitutions can be made when the ball is in play or out of play. The rules for substituting players are as follows:

A player leaving the pitch must do so from his/her team's substitution area.

A player who enters the field of play must do so from his team's bench, but may not enter the field of play until the player who left the field of play has crossed the touchline.

Substitutes shall be subject to the judgment and jurisdiction of the referee whether or not they are playing.

A substitution is complete when the substitute enters the field of play. At this point, the substitute becomes a player in the match and the substituted player loses his status as a player in the match. GOALKEEPING

A player may exchange places with any other player.

Offences and penalties

When replacing a player, if the replacement player enters the court before the player being replaced has left the court:

Stoppage of play

Instructing the player being replaced to leave the court

Warning to the replacement player with a yellow card

Restarting the game with an indirect free kick from an opposing player in the same place where the ball was at the time of stoppage of play. If the ball is in the penalty area, the place for kicking the indirect free kick

shall be on the line of the penalty area closest to where the ball was at the time play was stopped.

When a substitute enters the court when replacing a player, or a substituted player leaves the court at the end of the substitution area:

Stoppage of play

Warning to the offending player and yellow card

Restarting of play by the opposing team by kicking an indirect free kick from the place where the ball was at the time of the stoppage of play. If the ball is in the penalty area, the place for kicking the indirect free kick

shall be on the line of the penalty area closest to where the ball was at the time play was stopped.

RESOLUTIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

RESOLUTION 1

At the start of a match, each team shall have a minimum of five (5) players on the field of play.

Resolution 2

A player is penalized for leaving the field of play, and if either team has fewer than three players (including the goalkeeper), the match shall be stopped.

IV. PLAYER EQUIPMENT

SECURITY

Players shall not wear equipment or any item, including any jewelry, that is dangerous to themselves or other players.

BASIC EQUIPMENT

Necessary basic equipment for players includes:

Sweatshirts or jerseys

Shorts - if tights are worn over shorts, the color of the tights is to be the same as the primary color of the shorts.

Socks

Shin guards

Shoes - Only canvas or soft

equipment worn on the feet is allowed.