1. Changes to the Laws of the Game 2017/2018

2. All Laws

3. All Laws
Replace infringement/infringe with offense/offend

4. Law 1 - The Field

5. Law 1 - The Field
Artificial Turf may be used for the lines if it is not dangerous

6. Law 3 - The Players

7. Law 3 - The Players
(NEW) National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)

8. Law 3 - The Players
National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
(NEW) National FAs can allow return substitutes in youth, veterans and disability football

9. Law 3 - The Players
National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
National FAs can allow return substitutes in youth, veterans and disability football
(Clarification) A substitution made at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution

10. Law 3 - The Players
National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
National FAs can allow return substitutes in youth, veterans and disability football
A substitution made at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
(Clarification) Changing the goalkeeper at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution

11. Law 3 - The Players
National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
National FAs can allow return substitutes in youth, veterans and disability football
A substitution made at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
Changing the goalkeeper at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
(NEW) A player who re-enters the field without the referee’s permission (if required) and interferes with play is punished with -

12. Law 3 - The Players
National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
National FAs can allow return substitutes in youth, veterans and disability football
A substitution made at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
Changing the goalkeeper at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
(NEW) A player who re-enters the field without the referee’s permission (if required) and interferes with play is punished with –
Previous - indirect free kick

13. Law 3 - The Players
National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
National FAs can allow return substitutes in youth, veterans and disability football
A substitution made at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
Changing the goalkeeper at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
(NEW) A player who re-enters the field without the referee’s permission (if required) and interferes with play is punished with –
Previous - indirect free kick
New - direct free kick at the point of interference

14. Law 3 - The Players
National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
National FAs can allow return substitutes in youth, veterans and disability football
A substitution made at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
Changing the goalkeeper at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
(NEW) A player who re-enters the field without the referee’s permission (if required) and interferes with play is punished with –
Previous - indirect free kick
New - direct free kick at the point of interference
If no interference, indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped

15. Law 3 - The Players
National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
National FAs can allow return substitutes in youth, veterans and disability football
A substitution made at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
Changing the goalkeeper at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
(NEW) A player who re-enters the field without the referee’s permission (if required) and interferes with play is punished with –
Previous - indirect free kick
New - direct free kick at the point of interference
If no interference, indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped
Still caution the player

16. Law 3 - The Players
National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
National FAs can allow return substitutes in youth, veterans and disability football
A substitution made at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
Changing the goalkeeper at halftime without informing the Referee is not a caution
A player who re-enters the field without the referee’s permission (if required) and interferes with play is punished with –
Team scoring a goal with an extra person on the field, realized before kickoff - Restart is direct free kick from the position of the extra person.

17. Law 4 - The Players’ Equipment

18. Law 4 - The Players’ Equipment
(New) Requirements and restrictions on player head covers do not apply to goalkeeper caps

19. Law 4 - The Players’ Equipment
Requirements and restrictions on player head covers do not apply to goalkeeper caps
(Clarification) Other than approved electronic performance tracking systems (EPTS), players may not wear/use any electronic or communication equipment. Technical staff may only use communication equipment for safety/welfare issues

20. Law 4 - The Players’ Equipment
Requirements and restrictions on player head covers do not apply to goalkeeper caps
Players may not wear/use any electronic or communication equipment
All EPTS equipment must bear a minimum safety standard mark.

21. Law 5 - The Referee

22. Law 5 - The Referee
(New) The decisions of the referee, and all other match officials, must always be respected

23. Law 5 - The Referee
The decisions of the referee, and all other match officials, must always be respected
(New) National FAs can allow temporary dismissals for some/all cautions in youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football (guidelines will be published)

24. Law 5 - The Referee
The decisions of the referee, and all other match officials, must always be respected
National FAs can allow temporary dismissals for some/all cautions in youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football (guidelines will be published)
This does NOT apply yet in USSF/CYSA!

25. Law 5 - The Referee
The decisions of the referee, and all other match officials, must always be respected
National FAs can allow temporary dismissals for some/all cautions in youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football (guidelines will be published)
(New) A medical official guilty of a dismissible offense may stay/treat players if no other medical person is available for the team

26. Law 7 - The Duration of the Match

27. Law 7 - The Duration of the Match
A short water break may be permitted at half- time of extra time (overtime)

28. Law 7 - The Duration of the Match
A short water break may be permitted at half- time of extra time (overtime)
Same as other water breaks, this is NOT a coaching opportunity

29. Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play

30. Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play
(New) The player taking the kickoff is permitted to stand in the opponents’ half of the field

31. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match

32. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match
(Clarification) Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each

33. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match
Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each
Kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM)

34. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match
Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each
Kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM)
(Clarification) Kicker may not play the ball a second time

35. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match
Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each
Kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM)
Kicker may not play the ball a second time
(Clarification) Goalkeeper who offends and causes kick to be retaken must be cautioned

36. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match
Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each
Kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM)
Kicker may not play the ball a second time
(Clarification) Goalkeeper who offends and causes kick to be retaken must be cautioned
Same as Penalty Kick

37. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match
Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each
Kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM)
Kicker may not play the ball a second time
Goalkeeper who offends and causes kick to be retaken must be cautioned
If the kicker offends the kick is forfeited (recorded as a miss)

38. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match
Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each
Kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM)
Kicker may not play the ball a second time
Goalkeeper who offends and causes kick to be retaken must be cautioned
If the kicker offends the kick is forfeited (recorded as a miss)
If the goalkeeper and kicker offend at the same time

39. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match
Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each
Kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM)
Kicker may not play the ball a second time
Goalkeeper who offends and causes kick to be retaken must be cautioned
If the kicker offends the kick is forfeited (recorded as a miss)
If the goalkeeper and kicker offend at the same time
If goal missed - retake and caution both

40. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of the Match
Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each
Kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM)
Kicker may not play the ball a second time
Goalkeeper who offends and causes kick to be retaken must be cautioned
If the kicker offends the kick is forfeited (recorded as a miss)
If the goalkeeper and kicker offend at the same time
If goal missed - retake and caution both
If goal is scored – kicker is cautioned and kick recorded as missed

41. Law Offside

42. Law Offside
(Clarification) An offside player may be penalized if the ball rebounds/deflects off a match official

43. Law Offside
An offside player may be penalized if the ball rebounds/deflects off a match official
Addition of “or attempts to stop” in the definition of a save

44. Law 11 - Offside Offside Guidance:
An offside player may be penalized if the ball rebounds/deflects off a match official
Addition of “or attempts to stop” in the definition of a save
Offside Guidance:

45. Law 11 - Offside Offside Guidance:
An offside player may be penalized if the ball rebounds/deflects off a match official
Addition of “or attempts to stop” in the definition of a save
Offside Guidance:
A player in offside position and in the way of opponent and impacts the opponent’s ability to play or challenge for the ball - Offside

46. Law 11 - Offside Offside Guidance:
An offside player may be penalized if the ball rebounds/deflects off a match official
Addition of “or attempts to stop” in the definition of a save
Offside Guidance:
A player in offside position and in the way of opponent and impacts the opponent’s ability to play or challenge for the ball - Offside
A player in offside position who moves into the way of opponent (impedes) and impacts his ability to play or challenge for the ball - Impeding the progress of the player (Law 12)

47. Law 11 - Offside Offside Guidance:
An offside player may be penalized if the ball rebounds/deflects off a match official
Addition of “or attempts to stop” in the definition of a save
Offside Guidance:
A player in offside position and in the way of opponent and impacts the opponent’s ability to play or challenge for the ball - Offside
A player in offside position who moves into the way of opponent (impedes) and impacts his ability to play or challenge for the ball - Impeding the progress of the player (Law 12)
Player in offside position is fouled before committing offside offense - Foul penalized

48. Law 11 - Offside Offside Guidance:
An offside player may be penalized if the ball rebounds/deflects off a match official
Addition of “or attempts to stop” in the definition of a save
Offside Guidance:
A player in offside position and in the way of opponent and impacts the opponent’s ability to play or challenge for the ball - Offside
A player in offside position who moves into the way of opponent (impedes) and impacts his ability to play or challenge for the ball - Impeding the progress of the player (Law 12)
Player in offside position is fouled before committing offside offense - Foul penalized
Player in offside position commits offside offense before being fouled - Offside penalized

49. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct

50. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
(Clarification) Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK

51. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK
(Clarification) If advantage is played for send off offense and the player commits another offense, that offense will be penalized

52. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK
If advantage is played for send off offense and the player commits another offense, that offense will be penalized

53. Tactical Foul / DOGSO

54. Tactical Foul / DOGSO
DOGSO

55. Tactical Foul / DOGSO
DOGSO
Prior to 2016 changes

56. Tactical Foul / DOGSO
DOGSO
Prior to 2016 changes
The “4 D’s”

57. Tactical Foul / DOGSO DOGSO Prior to 2016 changes The “4 D’s”
Distance to the goal
Distance to the ball
Direction of travel
Number of Defenders

58. Tactical Foul / DOGSO DOGSO Send off EVERY time Prior to 2016 changes
The “4 D’s”
Distance to the goal
Distance to the ball
Direction of travel
Number of Defenders
Send off EVERY time

59. Tactical Foul / DOGSO DOGSO Change in 2016 Prior to 2016 changes
The “4 D’s”
Send off EVERY time
Change in 2016

60. Tactical Foul / DOGSO DOGSO Change in 2016
Prior to 2016 changes
The “4 D’s”
Send off EVERY time
Change in 2016
Send off unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball

61. Tactical Foul / DOGSO DOGSO Change in 2016
Prior to 2016 changes
The “4 D’s”
Send off EVERY time
Change in 2016
Send off unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball

62. Tactical Foul / DOGSO DOGSO Change in 2016 Change in 2017
Prior to 2016 changes
The “4 D’s”
Send off EVERY time
Change in 2016
Send off unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
Change in 2017
(Clarification) Direction - Does not have to be directly to the goal. At a diagonal is sufficient.

63. Tactical Foul / DOGSO DOGSO Change in 2016 Change in 2017
Prior to 2016 changes
The “4 D’s”
Send off EVERY time
Change in 2016
Send off unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
Change in 2017
(Clarification) Direction - Does not have to be directly to the goal. At a diagonal is sufficient.
At a good angle from which to shoot

64. Tactical Foul / DOGSO DOGSO Change in 2016 Prior to 2016 changes
Send off EVERY time
Change in 2016
Send off unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball

65. Tactical Foul / DOGSO
Tactical Foul

66. Tactical Foul / DOGSO
Tactical Foul
Before

67. Tactical Foul / DOGSO Tactical Foul Before
If a player deliberately handles the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack

68. Tactical Foul / DOGSO Tactical Foul Before
If a player deliberately handles the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack
If a player commits a foul which interferes with or stops a promising attack

69. Tactical Foul / DOGSO Tactical Foul Before MANDATORY caution (UB)
If a player deliberately handles the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack
If a player commits a foul which interferes with or stops a promising attack
MANDATORY caution (UB)

70. Tactical Foul / DOGSO Tactical Foul Before MANDATORY caution (UB) Now
If a player deliberately handles the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack
If a player commits a foul which interferes with or stops a promising attack
MANDATORY caution (UB)
Now

71. Tactical Foul / DOGSO Tactical Foul Before MANDATORY caution (UB) Now
If a player deliberately handles the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack
If a player commits a foul which interferes with or stops a promising attack
MANDATORY caution (UB)
Now
If a player commits a foul which interferes with or stops a promising attack except where the referee awards a penalty kick for an offense which was an attempt to play the ball

72. Tactical Foul / DOGSO Tactical Foul DOGSO Before Now
Mandatory caution every time
Now
Caution unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
DOGSO
Prior to 2016 changes
Send off EVERY time
Change in 2016
Send off unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball

73. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK
If advantage is played for send off offense and the player commits another offense, that offense will be penalized
Tactical foul - Caution unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
(New) Cautioned for UB if a player:

74. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK
If advantage is played for send off offense and the player commits another offense, that offense will be penalized
Tactical foul - Caution unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
(New) Cautioned for UB if a player:
climbs onto a perimeter fence and/or approaches the spectators in a way that causes safety or security issues

75. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK
If advantage is played for send off offense and the player commits another offense, that offense will be penalized
Tactical foul - Caution unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
(New) Cautioned for UB if a player:
climbs onto a perimeter fence and/or approaches the spectators in a way that causes safety or security issues
gestures or acts in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way

76. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK
If advantage is played for send off offense and the player commits another offense, that offense will be penalized
Tactical foul - Caution unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
Caution for goal celebration which causes safety or security issue
(New) Entering field of play without permission and stopping goal or committing DOGSO is a send off

77. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK
If advantage is played for send off offense and the player commits another offense, that offense will be penalized
Tactical foul - Caution unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
Caution for goal celebration which causes safety or security issue
Entering field of play without permission and stopping goal or committing DOGSO is a send off
(New) Off field offense by/against player involving opposing player/substitute/team official (or against match official) while ball is in play is penalized by FK on the boundary line

78. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK
If advantage is played for send off offense and the player commits another offense, that offense will be penalized
Tactical foul - Caution unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
Caution for goal celebration which causes safety or security issue
Entering field of play without permission and stopping goal or committing DOGSO is a send off
Off field offense by/against player involving opposing player/substitute/team official (or against match official) while ball is in play is penalized by FK on the boundary line
(New) DFK for throwing or kicking ball/object onto field to interfere with play/someone

79. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Only physical offenses against match officials gives a DFK restart. Verbal offenses (Dissent, Offensive/Insulting/Abusive language) is still IDFK
If advantage is played for send off offense and the player commits another offense, that offense will be penalized
Tactical foul - Caution unless penalty kick awarded and foul was attempt to play the ball
Caution for goal celebration which causes safety or security issue
Entering field of play without permission and stopping goal or committing DOGSO is a send off
Off field offense by/against player involving opposing player/substitute/team official (or against match official) while ball is in play is penalized by FK on the boundary line
DFK for throwing or kicking ball/object onto field to interfere with play/someone
DFK on boundary line for throwing or kicking ball/object at someone off the field

80. Law Free Kicks

81. Law Free Kicks
Attacker in or entering the penalty area before a defensive free kick has left the area cannot play or challenge the ball until it has been touched by another player

82. Law Free Kicks
Attacker in or entering the penalty area before a defensive free kick has left the area cannot play or challenge the ball until it has been touched by another player
- Kick is retaken

83. Law The Penalty Kick

84. Law The Penalty Kick
IF both the kicker and goalkeeper offend at the same time:

85. Law The Penalty Kick
IF both the kicker and goalkeeper offend at the same time:
If no goal, both get cautions, retake kick

86. Law The Penalty Kick
IF both the kicker and goalkeeper offend at the same time:
If no goal, both get cautions, retake kick
If goal, caution the kicker and kick is recorded as a “miss” + IFK for defense

87. Law The Penalty Kick
IF both the kicker and goalkeeper offend at the same time
Goal can be awarded after outside interference if ball still goes into goal

88. Law The Goal Kick
Attacker entering the penalty area before the ball has left the area cannot play or challenge for the ball until it is touched by another player