The Penalty Area

A penalty area is dened at each end of the eld as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5 m (18 yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the eld of play for a distance of 16.5 m (18 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11 m (12 yds) from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.

Flagposts

A agpost, not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with a non-pointed top and a ag is placed at each corner. Flagposts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1 m (1 yd) outside the touch line.

The Corner Arc

A quarter circle with a radius of 1 m (1 yd) from each corner agpost is drawn inside the eld of play.
Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner agposts 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 (8 ft). 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.

2.44m (8ft) 7.32m (8yds)

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

The Field of Play

CORNER FLAGPOST (compulsory)

GOAL LINE GOAL AREA

PENALTY MARK PENALTY ARC FLAGPOST (optional) HALFWAY LINE CENTRE MARK CENTRE CIRCLE

CH L INE

PENALTY AREA

OPTIONAL MARK

GOAL LINE

CORNER ARC

Corner Flagpost
Flag to be not less than 1.5m/5ft high with a non-pointed top
Lines to be not more than 12cm/5ins wide Corner arc
Corner flagpost is compulsory

Metric Measurements

Width: Maximum 90 metres Minimum 45 metres

Min imu m9 0m

Radius: 9.15m

Len gth: Max imu m1 20m

9.15m 16.5m 11m 5.5m 9.15m 16.5m 7.32m 5.5m 1 metre radius

Imperial Measurements

Width: Maximum 100 yards

Minimum 50 yards

LAW 13 FREE KICKS

Types of Free Kicks
Free kicks are either direct or indirect. For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

The Direct Free Kick

if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents goal, a goal is awarded if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the teams own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team

The Indirect Free Kick

Signal The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head. He maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player or goes out of play. Ball Enters the Goal A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal. if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents goal, a goal kick is awarded if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the teams own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team

Position of Free Kick

Free Kick Inside the Penalty Area Direct or indirect free kick to the defending team: all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball all opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area a free kick awarded in the goal area is taken from any point inside that area Indirect free kick to the attacking team: all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play, unless they are on their own goal line between the goalposts the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves an indirect free kick awarded inside the goal area is taken from that part of the goal area line which runs parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred Free Kick Outside the Penalty Area all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves the free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred
If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance: the kick is retaken If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty area, the ball is not kicked directly into play: the kick is retaken

Corner kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kickers penalty area Corner kick taken by the goalkeeper If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player: a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeepers penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeepers penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) For any other infringement: the kick is retaken
PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE THE WINNER OF A MATCH OR HOME-AND-AWAY
Away goals, extra time and taking kicks from the penalty mark are methods of determining the winning team where competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match has been drawn or home-and-away.

Away Goals

Competition rules may provide that where teams play each other home and away, if the scores are equal after the second match, any goals scored at the ground of the opposing team will count double.

Extra Time

Competition rules may provide for two further equal periods, not exceeding 15 minutes each, to be played. The conditions of Law 8 will apply.
Kicks from the penalty mark
The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the rst or the second kick The referee keeps a record of the kicks being taken Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams take ve kicks The kicks are taken alternately by the teams If, before both teams have taken ve kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were to complete its ve kicks, no more kicks are taken If, after both teams have taken ve kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same order until one team has scored a goal more than the other from the same number of kicks A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are being taken from the penalty mark and is unable to continue as goalkeeper may be replaced by a named substitute provided his team has not used the maximum number of substitutes permitted under the competition rules

The referee shall allow for the full amount of time lost through injury to be played at the end of each period of play Once the referee has decided to issue a card to a player who is injured and has to leave the eld of play for treatment, the referee shall issue the card before the player leaves the eld of play Exceptions to this ruling are to be made only when: a goalkeeper is injured a goalkeeper and an outeld player have collided and need immediate attention a severe injury has occurred, e.g. swallowed tongue, concussion, broken leg. More than one offence occurring at the same time Offences committed by two players from the same team: The referee shall punish the most serious offence when players commit more than one offence at the same time. Play shall be restarted according to the most serious offence committed. Offences committed by players from different teams: The referee shall stop play and restart it with a dropped ball from the position of the ball at the time of the stoppage * (see page 3)

GUIDELINES FOR REFEREES

Positioning with ball in play
Recommendations The play should be between the referee and the lead assistant referee. The lead assistant referee should be within the referees eld of vision. The referee should use a wide diagonal system. Staying towards the outside of the play makes it easier to keep play and the lead assistant referee within the referees eld of vision The referee should be close enough to see play without interfering with play What needs to be seen is not always in the vicinity of the ball. The referee should also pay attention to: Aggressive individual player confrontations off the ball Possible offences in the area towards which play is heading Offences occurring after the ball is played away
Positioning in dead-ball situations
The best position is one from which the referee can make the right decision. All recommendations about positioning are based on probabilities and must be adjusted using specic information about the teams, the players, and events in the match up to that point. The positions suggested in the following graphics are basic and recommended to referees. The reference to a zone is intended to emphasise that every recommended position is actually an area within which the referee is most likely to optimise his effectiveness. The zone may be larger, smaller, or differently shaped depending on circumstances at the moment in question.
1. Positioning for dead-ball situations kick-off
2. Positioning for dead-ball situations goal kick
3. Positioning for dead-ball situations corner kick (1)

Mass confrontation

In situations of mass confrontation, the nearest assistant referee may enter the eld of play to assist the referee. The other assistant referee shall also observe and record details of the incident.

Consultation

When dealing with disciplinary issues, eye contact and a basic discreet hand signal from the assistant referee to the referee may be enough in some cases. On occasions when direct consultation is required, the assistant referee may advance 2-3 metres onto the eld of play if necessary. When talking, the referee and assistant referee shall both turn to face the pitch to avoid being heard by others.

Wall distance

When a free kick is awarded very close to the touchline near the assistant referees position, the assistant referee may enter the eld of play to help ensure that the wall is positioned 9.15 m from the ball. He will assert the distance from the position of the ball. In this case, the referee shall wait until the assistant referee is back in position before restarting play.
Additional Time Allowance for Time Lost
Many stoppages in play are entirely natural (e.g. throw-ins, goal kicks). An allowance is to be made only when these delays are excessive. The fourth ofcial indicates the minimum additional time decided by the referee at the end of the nal minute of each period of play. The announcement of the additional time does not indicate the exact amount of time left in the match. The time may be increased if the referee considers it appropriate but never reduced. The referee shall not compensate for a timekeeping error during the rst half by increasing or reducing the length of the second half.
Any player may challenge for the ball (including the goalkeeper). There is no minimum or maximum number of players required to contest a dropped ball. The referee cannot decide who may or may not contest a dropped ball.
LAW 9 THE BALL IN AND OUT PLAY
The ball inside the eld of play touches a person other than a player
If, when the ball is in play, it touches the referee or an assistant referee who is temporarily on the eld of play, play continues because the referee and the assistant referees are part of the match.

No Goal

If a referee signals a goal before the ball has passed wholly over the goal line and immediately realises his error, play shall be restarted with a dropped ball. * (see page 3)

Infringements

When an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick to be taken from the position of the offending player when the ball was last played to him by one of his team mates. If a defending player steps behind his own goal line in order to place an opponent in an offside position, the referee shall allow play to continue and caution the defender for deliberately leaving the eld of play without the referees permission when the ball is next out of play. It is not an offence in itself for a player who is in an offside position to step off the eld of play to show the referee that he is not involved in active play. However, if the referee considers that he has left the eld of play for tactical reasons and has gained an unfair advantage by reentering the eld of play, the player shall be cautioned for unsporting behaviour. The player needs to ask for the referees permission to reenter the eld of play. If an attacking player remains stationary between the goal posts and inside the goal net as the ball enters the goal, a goal shall be awarded. However, if the attacking player distracts an opponent, the goal shall be disallowed, the player cautioned for unsporting behaviour and play shall be restarted with a dropped ball in the position where the ball was located. * (see page 3)

Offside offence

Interfering with play

(A) GK

Goalkeeper Defender Attacker Referee Movement of the ball Movement of the player
An attacker in an offside position (A), not interfering with an opponent, touches the ball. The assistant referee should raise the ag when the player touches the ball.

Not offside offence

An attacker in an offside position (A), not interfering with an opponent, does not touche the ball. The player cannot be penalised because he did not touch the ball.

Interfering with play GK

An attacker in an offside position (A) runs towards the ball and a teammate in onside position (B) runs also towards the ball and plays it. Player (A) cannot be penalised because he did not touch the ball.
A player in an offside position (A) may be penalised before playing or touching the ball if, in the opinion of the referee, no other team-mate in an onside position has the opportunity to play the ball.
Interfering with play GK (2)
An attacker in an offside position (1) runs towards the ball and does not touch the ball. The assistant referee should signal goal kick.
Interfering with an opponent GK (A)

An attacker in an offside position (A) is obstructing the goalkeepers line of vision. He should be penalised because he prevents an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball.
An attacker in an offside position (A) is not obstructing the goalkeepers line of vision or making a gesture or movement which deceives or distracts him.
Not offside offence Corner kick
Interfering with an opponent GK

(A) (B)

An attacker in an offside position (A) runs towards the ball but he does not prevent the opponent from playing or being able to play the ball. (A) is not making any gesture or movement which deceives or distracts (B).
An attacker in an offside position (A) runs towards the ball preventing the opponent (B) from playing or being able to play the ball. Player (A) is making any gesture or movement which deceives or distracts player (B).

Offside offence (B)

Gaining advantage GK
The shot by a team-mate (A) rebounds from the goalkeeper to player (B) who is penalised for playing the ball having been previously in an offside position.

Not offside offence (C)

(B) (A)
The shot by a team-mate (A) rebounds from the goalkeeper. Player (B) is an onside position plays the ball. Player (C) in an offside position is not penalise because he did not gain advantage for being in that position because he did not touch the ball.

Not offside offence (B2)

(C) (B1) (A)
An attacker (C) is in an offside position, not interfering with an opponent, when a team-mate (A) passes the ball to player (B1) in an onside position who runs towards the opponents goal and passes the ball (B2) to team-mate (C). Attacker (C) cannot be penalised because when the ball was passed to him, he was in an onside position.
Basis requirements for a foul
The following conditions must be met for an offence to be considered a foul. It must be committed by a player It must occur on the eld of play It must occur while the ball is in play If the referee stops play due to an offence committed outside the eld of play (when the ball is in play), play shall be restarted with a dropped ball in the position where the ball was located. * (see page 3)

Careless, reckless, using excessive force
Careless means that the player has shown a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or that he acted without precaution. No further disciplinary sanction is needed if a foul is judged to be careless Reckless means that the player has acted with complete disregard of the danger to, or consequences for, his opponent A player who plays in a reckless manner shall be cautioned. Using excessive force means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent. A player who uses excessive force shall be sent off.

Charging an opponent

The act of charging is a challenge for space using physical contact within playing distance of the ball without using arms or elbows. It is an offence to charge an opponent in a careless manner in a reckless manner using excessive force

Holding an opponent

Holding an opponent includes the act of preventing him from moving past or around using the hands, the arms or the body. Referees are reminded to make an early intervention and to deal rmly with holding offences especially inside the penalty area at corner kicks and free kicks. To deal with these situations, the referee shall warn any player holding an opponent before the ball is in play caution the player if the holding continues before the ball is in play award a direct free kick or penalty kick and caution the player if it happens once the ball is in play. If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area but continues holding him inside the penalty area, the referee shall award a penalty kick.
A caution for unsporting behaviour shall be issued when a player holds an opponent to prevent him gaining possession of the ball or taking up an advantageous position A player shall be sent off if he denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity by holding an opponent No further disciplinary action shall be taken in other situations of holding an opponent

Restart of play

Direct free kick from the position where the offence occurred * (see page 3) or a penalty kick if the offence occurred inside the penalty area.

Handling the ball

Handling the ball involves a deliberate act of a player making contact with the ball with his hand or arm. The referee shall take the following into consideration: The movement of the hand towards the ball (not the ball towards the hand) The distance between the opponent and the ball (unexpected ball) Position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is an infringement Touching the ball with an object held in the hand (clothing, shinguard etc.) counts as an infringement Hitting the ball with a thrown object (a boot, shinguard etc.) counts as an infringement

There are circumstances when a caution for unsporting behaviour is required when a player deliberately handles the ball, e.g. when a player: deliberately and blatantly handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession attempts to score a goal by deliberately handling the ball A player is sent off, however, if he prevents a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball. This punishment arises not from the act of the player deliberately handling the ball but from the unacceptable and unfair intervention that prevented a goal being scored.
Direct free kick from the position where the offence occurred * (see page 3) or penalty kick Outside his own penalty area, the goalkeeper has the same restrictions on handling the ball as does any other player. Inside his own penalty area, the goalkeeper cannot be guilty of a handling offence incurring a direct free kick or any misconduct related to handling the ball. He can, however, be guilty of several offences that incur an indirect free kick.

Offences by goalkeepers

Goalkeepers are not permitted to keep possession of the ball in their hands for more than six seconds. The goalkeeper is considered to be in possession of the ball: while the ball is between his hands or between his hand and any surface (e.g., ground, own body) while holding the ball in his outstretched open hand. while in the act of bouncing it on the ground or tossing it into the air When a goalkeeper has gained possession of the ball with his hands, he cannot be challenged by an opponent. A goalkeeper is not permitted to touch the ball with his hand inside his own penalty area in the following circumstances: If he handles the ball again after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player. The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hands or arms except if the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, If he touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate. If he touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a thrown-in taken by a team-mate.

Restart of play:

If the ball is out of play, play is restarted according to the previous decision. If the ball is in play and the offence occurred outside the eld of play if the player is already off the eld of play and commits the offence play is restarted with a dropped ball* from the position in which the ball was located when play was stopped. * if the player leaves the eld of play to commit the offence, play is restarted with an indirect free kick from the position in which the ball was located when play was stopped. * If the ball is in play and a player commits an the offence inside the eld of play against an opponent, play is restarted with a direct free kick from the position where the offence occurred * or a penalty kick. against a team-mate, play is restarted with an indirect free kick from the position where the offence occurred. * against a substitute or substituted player, play is restarted with an indirect free kick from the position in which the ball was located when play was stopped* against the referee or an assistant referee, play is restarted with an indirect free kick from the position where the offence occurred * against another person, play is restarted with a dropped ball from the position in which the ball was located when play was stopped * * (see page 3)
Offences where an object (or the ball) is thrown
If while the ball is in play, a player, substitute or substituted player throws an object at an opponent or other person in a reckless manner, the referee shall stop play and caution player, substitute or substituted player. If while the ball is in play, a player, substitute or substituted player throws an object at an opponent or other person using excessive force, the referee shall stop play and send off the player, substitute or substituted player for violent conduct.
If a player standing inside his own penalty area throws an object at an opponent standing outside the penalty area, the referee restarts play with a direct free kick to the opponents team taken from the position where the object struck or would have struck the opponent. If a player standing outside his own penalty area throws an object at an opponent standing inside the penalty area, the referee restarts play with a penalty kick. If a player standing inside the eld of play throws an object at any person standing outside the eld of play, the referee restarts play with an indirect free kick taken from the position in which the ball was located when play was stopped * (see page 3) If a player standing outside the eld of play throws an object at an opponent standing inside the eld of play, the referee restarts play with a direct free kick to the opponents team taken from the position where the object struck or would have struck the opponent or with a penalty kick. If a substitute or substituted player standing outside the eld of play throws an object at an opponent standing inside the eld of play, the referee restarts play with an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the position in which the ball was located when play was stopped. * (see page 3)

Denying a goal or a goalscoring opportunity
There are two sending-off offences that deal with denying an opponent an obvious opportunity to score a goal. It is not necessary for the offence to occur inside the penalty area. If the referee applies advantage during an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and a goal is scored directly, despite the opponents handling the ball or fouling an opponent, the player cannot be sent off but he may still be cautioned. Referees should consider the following circumstances when deciding whether to send off a player for denying a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity: The distance between the offence and the goal The likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball The direction of the play The location and number of defenders The offence which denies an opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity may be an offence that incurs a direct free kick or an indirect free kick.
The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves. A free kick can be taken by lifting the ball with a foot or both feet simultaneously. Feinting to take a free kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football. However, if in the opinion of the referee the feinting is considered an act of unsporting behaviour, the player shall be cautioned. If a player, while correctly taking a free kick, intentionally kicks the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball a second time but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referee shall allow play to continue. An indirect free kick should be retaken if the referee fails to raise his arm to indicate that the kick is indirect and the ball is kicked directly into the goal. The initial indirect free kick is not nullied by the referees mistake.

Distance

If a player decides to take a free kick quickly and an opponent who is less than 9.15 m from the ball intercepts it, the referee shall allow play to continue. If a player decides to take a free kick quickly and an opponent who is near the ball deliberately prevents him taking the kick, the referee shall caution the player for delaying the restart of play. If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty area, one or more opponents remain inside the penalty area because the defender decides to take the kick quickly and the opponents did not have time to leave the penalty area, the referee shall allow play to continue.
Feinting to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football. However, if in the opinion of the referee the feinting is considered an act of unsporting behaviour, the player shall be cautioned.

RULES OF THE INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION BOARD
(Approved by the International Football Association Board February 1993)

Name and Constitution

The title of the Board shall be the International Football Association Board. The Football Association (England), The Scottish Football Association, The Football Association of Wales, The Irish Football Association and the Fdration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), hereafter called associations, shall constitute the Board and each shall be entitled to be represented by four delegates.

Objects

The objects of the Board shall be to discuss and decide proposed alterations to the Laws of the Game and such other matters affecting association football as required to be referred to the Board after consideration by the Annual General Meetings or other appropriate meetings of the associations forming the Board or confederations or member associations.

Meetings of the Board

The Board shall meet bi-annually. The Annual General Meeting shall take place in the month of February or March as agreed. The Annual Business Meeting shall take place in the month of September or October, as agreed. The date and venue of both the Annual General Meeting and the Annual Business Meeting shall be decided at the previous Annual General Meeting of the Board. In each current year, both the Annual General Meeting and the Annual Business Meeting shall be hosted by the same member association. A representative of the host association shall preside. The responsibility for hosting both meetings shall be passed in rotation to each association. Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting is authorised to discuss and decide on proposed alterations to the Laws of the Game and other relevant matters affecting association football that fall within the remit of the Board. Annual Business Meeting The Annual Business Meeting shall take place in the month of September or October, as agreed. The meeting shall have the authority to consider general business submitted to the Board. It may provide decisions on such items but the Annual Business Meeting shall not have the authority to alter the Laws of the Game.

Procedures

Annual General Meeting Each association shall forward in writing, not later than 1 December, to the secretary of the association hosting the meeting, suggestions or proposed alterations to the Laws of the Game, requests for experimentation to the Laws of the Game and other items for discussion, which shall be printed and distributed not later than 14 December. Any amendments to such proposed alterations must be submitted in writing to the secretary of the host association not later than 14 January, and such proposals and amendments shall be printed and distributed to member associations for consideration not later than 1 February. Annual Business Meeting Each association shall forward in writing to the secretary of the host association, at least four weeks before the date of the meeting, any proposals, requests for experimentation regarding the Laws of the Game and other items for discussion. The agenda and relevant papers shall be distributed to all member associations of the Board two weeks before the meeting. Any confederation or other member association may forward in writing to the General Secretary of FIFA, proposals, requests or items for discussion in good time to ensure that they may be considered by FIFA and, if acceptable, forwarded to the secretary of the host association at least four weeks before the meeting.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting shall be recorded by the secretary of the host association and shall be reported in the ofcial Minute Book, which shall be forwarded to the association next in rotation before the rst day of February ensuing.

Quorum and Voting Powers

The business of a meeting shall not be proceeded unless four associations, one of which shall be FIFA, are represented. FIFA shall have four votes on behalf of all afliated member associations in membership. The other member associations shall each have one vote. For a proposal to succeed, it must receive the support of at least three-quarters of those present and entitled to vote.
Alterations to the Laws of the Game
No alterations shall be made to the Laws of the Game except in the Annual General Meeting of the Board and then only if agreed by at least three-quarters of those present and entitled to vote.

Special Meetings

The association hosting the Board meetings for the current year* shall, on receiving a written requisition signed by FIFA or by any two of the other member associations, accompanied by a copy of the proposals to be submitted, call a special meeting of the Board. Such special meetings shall be held within twenty-eight days of the requisition and the associations forming the Board shall receive twenty-one days notice together with a copy of the proposals.

Decisions of the Board

The decisions of the Annual Business Meeting of the Board shall be effective from the date of the meeting, unless agreed otherwise. The decisions of the Annual General Meeting of the Board regarding changes to the Laws of the Game shall be binding on confederations and member associations as from 1 July following each Annual General Meeting of the Board but confederations or member associations whose current season has not ended by 1 July may delay the introduction of the adopted alterations to the Laws of the Game for their competitions until the beginning of their next season. No alteration to the Laws of the Game shall be made by any confederation or member association unless they have been passed by the Board.**
* The current year shall be understood to commence on the day following the previous Annual General Meeting. ** It was agreed that for international matches any such decisions would be effective from 1 July following the Annual General Meeting of the Board at which they were reached.

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