Football Rules
Why the technical area has room for a team but one tactical voice
The technical area has rules for its occupants, boundaries and tactical instructions. Learn what to watch before interpreting a busy football bench.
FROM THE TOUCHLINE
Football Rules
Football Rules
Offside after a defender’s touch: deliberate play is different from a deflection
A defender’s touch does not automatically reset offside. Read the difference between deliberate play, a deflection and a deliberate save in the Laws.
Football Rules
After an injury, treatment and return to the pitch follow different rules
Follow the separate decisions around an injured footballer: stopping play, allowing treatment, leaving the field and receiving permission to return.
Football Rules
Why an Assistant Referee Sometimes Waits Before Raising the Flag
Understand the delayed flag in VAR matches and why an assistant referee may let a clear attacking situation develop before signalling.
Football Rules
Three Restarts Where Receiving the Ball Directly Is Not Offside
Goal kicks, throw-ins and corners have a direct-reception offside exception. Follow the next touch to see when the normal offside question returns.
Football Rules
Why Some Accidental Handballs Stop Play and Others Do Not
Separate deliberate handball, an unnaturally bigger body and the scorer’s accidental contact when watching a disputed football goal.
Football Rules
When the Ball Hits the Referee, Play Does Not Always Continue
Referee contact does not always stop football. Three outcomes determine when Law 9 requires a dropped-ball restart.
Football Rules
At a Penalty Kick, Watch the Goalkeeper’s Position at the Moment of Contact
Use the moment the ball is kicked to assess a goalkeeper’s penalty position, then check the full Law 14 conditions before calling for a retake.
Football Rules
A Throw-In Has Rules for the Feet as Well as the Hands
Watch the thrower’s feet, position and delivery to understand why a throw-in may be retaken by the other team under IFAB Law 15.