Player Rules
Number of Players
A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of eleven players; one must be the goalkeeper.
A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players.
Number of substitutions
The number of substitutes, up to a maximum of five, which may be used in any match played in an official competition will be determined by FIFA.
If a team has not used the maximum number of substitutes any unused substitutes can be used in extra time.
Substitution procedure
The names of the substitutes must be given to the referee before the start of the match.
Any substitute not named by this time must not take part in the match.
Offence and Discipline
If a team official, substitute, substituted or sent-off player or outside agent enters the field of play the referee must:
only stop play if there is interference with play,
have the person removed when play stops
take appropriate disciplinary action
Player outside the field of play
If a player who requires the referee's permission to re-enter the field of play re-enters without the referee's permission, the referee must:
stop play - not immediately if the player does not interfere with play or a match official or if the advantage can be applied
caution the player for entering the field of play without permission
If the referee stops play, it must be restarted:
with a direct free kick from the position of the interference
with an indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped if there was no interference
Cautionable Offences
A player and/or a substitute is cautioned if guilty of:
delaying the restart of play,
dissent by word or action,
entering, re-entering or deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission,
failing to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a dropped ball, corner kick, free kick or throw-in,
persistent offences (no specific number or pattern of offences constitutes “persistent”),
unsporting behaviour,
entering the referee review area (RRA),
excessively using the 'review' (TV screen) signal
Sending-Off Offences
A player, substitute who commits any of the following offences is sent off:
denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by committing a deliberate handball offence (except a goalkeeper within their penalty area),
denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by committing a non-deliberate handball offence outside their own penalty area,
denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent whose overall movement is towards the offender's goal by an offence punishable by a free kick (unless as outlined below),
serious foul play,
biting or spitting at someone,
violent conduct,
using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or action(s),
receiving a second caution/ yellow card in the same match
Players' Cautions for Unsporting Behaviours
There are different circumstances when a player must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour including if a player:
attempts to deceive the referee e.g. by feigning/faking injury or pretending to have been fouled (simulation)
changes places with the goalkeeper during play or without the referee’s permission
commits in a reckless manner a direct free kick offence
handles the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack, except where the referee awards a penalty kick for a non-deliberate handball offence
denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick for a non-deliberate handball offence
commits any other offence which interferes with or stops a promising attack except where the referee awards a penalty kick for an offence which was an attempt to play the ball or for a challenge for the ball
denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by committing an offence which was an attempt to play the ball or challenge for the ball and the referee awards a penalty kick
handles the ball in an attempt to score a goal (whether or not the attempt is successful) or in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent a goal
makes unauthorised marks on the field of play
plays the ball when leaving the field of play after being given permission to leave
shows a lack of respect for the game
initiates a deliberate trick for the ball to be passed (including from a free kick or goal kick) to the goalkeeper with the head, chest, knee etc. to circumvent the Law, whether or not the goalkeeper touches the ball with the hands; the goalkeeper is cautioned if responsible for initiating the deliberate trick
verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart
no player is allowed to enter the pitch and play while intoxicated/drunk
Referees must caution players who delay the restart of play by:
appearing to take a throw-in but suddenly leaving it to a team-mate to take
delaying leaving the field of play when being substituted
excessively delaying a restart
kicking or carrying the ball away, or provoking a confrontation by deliberately touching the ball after the referee has stopped play
taking a free kick from the wrong position to force a retake
Team Officials
Where an offence is committed by someone from the technical area (substitute, substituted player, sent-off player or team official) and the offender cannot be identified, the senior team coach present in the technical area will receive the sanction.
Match Official Rules
Football referees are responsible for enforcing the Laws of the game, ensuring fair play, and maintaining the safety of players, fans, and team officials, while also acting as the game's timekeeper.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Enforcing the Laws of the Game: referees interpret and apply the laws of the game, ensuring that players adhere to the rules.
Maintaining Fair Play: referees ensure fair play by penalizing fouls and misconduct, and cautioning or expelling players as necessary.
Ensuring Player Safety: referees have a duty to protect players from harm, including intervening in dangerous situations and ensuring players are not injured during the game.
Game Timekeeping: referees are responsible for accurately keeping track of the game time and signaling the end of each half.
Maintaining Order: referees maintain order on the field and in the stands, intervening in situations of misconduct or violence.
Communication: referees communicate effectively with players, coaches, and other officials, explaining decisions and ensuring everyone understands the rules.
COMMON SCENARIOS AND ACTIONS
Fouls and Misconduct: referees must identify and penalize fouls and misconduct, including actions like kicking, tripping, pushing, or using excessive force.
Red Cards and Suspension: a red card typically results in an automatic suspension of at least one match, but can extend to multiple matches depending on the severity of the offense
Cautions and Expulsions: referees can issue yellow cards (cautions) for minor offenses and red cards (expulsions) for serious offenses, such as violent conduct or denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Free Kicks and Penalties: referees award free kicks for fouls outside the penalty area and penalties for fouls inside the penalty area.
Substitutions: referees manage the substitution process, ensuring that players enter and leave the field of play according to the rules.
Match Abandonment: In extreme circumstances, such as a threat of continued abuse or violence, or a significant injury, referees can consider abandoning the match.
Restarting Play: referees are responsible for restarting play after stoppages, such as after a goal, a foul, or a substitution.
Injured Players: referees must ensure that injured players are treated on the sidelines and can only re-enter the field of play after play has restarted.
Players' Equipment: Players must NOT wear anything that is dangerous to themselves or other players, including jewelry and boots/shoes that are designed for football.
Delaying the Restart of Play: referees must caution players who delay the restart of play, such as by kicking or carrying the ball away after play has been stopped.
Assaulting a Referee: any player, coach, team official, or spectator committing or attempting to commit a referee assault is automatically suspended for one (1) year from the time of the assault.
If serious injuries are inflicted then the MINIMUM suspension shall be for five (5) years.