The Authority of the Referee
Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed.
Powers and Duties
The Referee:
* enforces the Laws of the Game
* controls the match in co-operation with the assistant referees and, where applicable, with the fourth official
* ensures that any ball meets the requirements of Law 2
* ensures that the players’ equipment meets the requirements of Law 4
* acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match
* stops, suspends or terminates the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws
* stops, suspends or terminates the match because of outside interference of any kind
* stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the field of play – an injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted
* allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured
* ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped
* allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time
* punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more than one offence at the same time
* takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences. He is not obliged to take this action immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play
* takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surrounds
* acts on the advice of assistant referees regarding incidents which he has not seen
* ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the field of play
* restarts the match after it has been stopped
* provides the appropriate authorities with a match report which includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players, and/or team officials and any other incidents which occurred before, during or after the match
Decisions of the Referee
The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match.
Decisions of the International FA
Board Decision 1
A referee (or where applicable, an assistant referee or fourth official) is not held liable for:
* Any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator.
* Any damage to property of any kind
* Any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision which he may take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match
This may include:
* a decision that the condition of the field of play or its surrounds or that the weather conditions are such as to allow or not to allow a match to take place
* a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason
* a decision as to the condition of the fixtures or equipment used during a match including the goalposts, crossbar, flagposts and the ball
* a decision to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference or any problem in the spectator area
* a decision to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player to be removed from the field of play for treatment
* a decision to request or insist that an injured player be removed from the field of play for treatment
* a decision to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain apparel or equipment
* a decision (in so far as this may be his responsibility) to allow or not to allow any persons (including team or stadium officials, security officers, photographers or other media representatives) to be present in the vicinity of the field of play
* any other decision which he may take in accordance with the Laws of the Game or in conformity with his duties under the terms of FIFA, Confederation, National Association or League rules or regulations under which the match is played
Decision 2
In tournaments or competitions where a fourth official is appointed, his role and duties must be in accordance with the guidelines approved by the International FA Board, which are contained in this publication.
Decision 3
Facts connected with play shall include whether a goal is scored or not and the result of the match.
The Technical Area
The technical area described in Law 3, International FA Board Decision No. 2, relates particularly to matches played in stadia with a designated seated area for technical staff and substitutes as shown below.
It is recognised that technical areas may vary between stadia, for example in size or location, and the following notes are issued for general guidance.
* The technical area extends 1m on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1m from the touch line
* It is recommended that markings are used to define this area
* The number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules
* The occupants of the technical area are identified before the beginning of the match in accordance with the competition rules
* Only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions and he must return to his position immediately after giving these instructions
* The coach and other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area except in special circumstances, for example, a physiotherapist or doctor entering the field of play, with the referee’s permission, to assess an injured player
* The coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner
Monday, October 13, 2008
Law 5 - The Referee
Law 4 - The Players Equipment
Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).
Basic Equipment
The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items:
* a jersey or shirt
if undergar
* shorts - if undershorts are worn, they are of the same main colour as the shorts
* stockings
* shinguards
* footwear
Shinguards
* are covered entirely by the stockings
* are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substances)
* provide a reasonable degree of protection
Goalkeepers
* each goalkeeper wears colours which distinguish him from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees
Infringements/Sanctions
For any infringement of this Law:
* play need not be stopped
* the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the field of play to correct his equipment
* the player leaves the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play, unless he has already corrected his equipment
* any player required to leave the field of play to correct his equipment, does not reenter without the permission of the referee
* the referee checks that the player’s equipment is correct before allowing him to reenter the field of play
* the player is only allowed to re-enter the field of play when the ball is out of play
A player who has been required to leave the field of play because of an infringement of this Law and who enters (or re-enters) the field of play without the permission of the referee is cautioned and shown the yellow card.
Restart of Play
If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution:
* the match is restarted by an indirect free kick taken by a player of the opposing side, from the place where the ball was when the referee stopped the match*
Decision of the International FA Board
* Players must not reveal undershirts which contain slogans or advertising. The basic compulsory equipment must not contain any political, religious or personal statements. A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organiser. The team of a player whose basic compulsory equipment contains political, religious or personal slogans or statements will be sanctioned by the competition organiser or by FIFA.
* Jerseys must have sleeves.
Law 3 - The Number of Players
Players
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than seven players.
Official Competitions
Up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match played in an official competition under the auspices of FIFA, the Confederations or the National Associations.The rules of the competition must state how many substitutes may be nominated, from three up to a maximum of seven.
Other Matches
In National A team matches, up to a maximum of six substitutes may be used.
In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used provided that:
* the teams concerned reach agreement on a maxinum number
* the referee is informed before the match
If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the match, no more than six substitutes are allowed.
All Matches
In all matches the names of the substitutes must be given to the referee prior to the start of the match. Substitutes not so named may not take part in the match.
Substitution Procedure
To replace a player by a substitute, the following conditions must be observed:
* the referee is informed before any proposed substitution is made
* a substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee
* a substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match
* a substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play
* from that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player he has replaced ceases to be a player
* a player who has been replaced takes no further part in the match
* all substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee, whether called upon to play or not
Changing the Goalkeeper
Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that:
* the referee is informed before the change is made
* the change is made during a stoppage in the match
lnfringements/Sanctions
If a substitute enters the field of play without the referee being informed:
* play is stopped
* the substitute is cautioned, shown the yellow card and required to leave the field of play
* play is restarted with an indirect free kick at the place it was located when play was stopped
If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee being informed before the change is made:
* play continues
* the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card when the ball is next out of play
For any other infringements of this Law:
* the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card
Restart of Play
If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution:
* the match is restarted by an indirect free kick, to be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the ball was when play was stopped*
Players and Substitutes Sent Off
A player who has been sent off before the kick-off may only be replaced by one of the named substitutes.
A named substitute who has been sent off either before the kick-off, or after play has started, may not be replaced.
Decisions of the International FA Board
Decision 1
Subject to the over-riding conditions of Law 3, the minimum number of players in a team is left to the discretion of National Associations. The Board is of the opinion however, that a match should not continue if there are fewer than seven players in either team.
Decision 2
A team official may convey tactical instructions to the players during the match and he must return to his position immediately after giving these instructions. All team officials must remain within the confines of the technical area, where such an area is provided, and they must behave in a responsible manner.
Law 2 - The Ball
Qualities and Measurements
The ball is:
- spherical
- made of leather or other suitable material
- of a circumference of not more than 70cm (28ins) and not less than 68cm (27ins)
- not more than 450g (16oz) in weight and not less than 410g (14oz) at the start of the match
- of a pressure equal to 0.6–1.1 atmosphere (600–1100g/cm2) at sea level (8.5lbs/sq.in 15.6lbs/sq.in)
Replacement of a Defective Ball
If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:
- the match is stopped
- it is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the place where the first ball became defective*
If the ball bursts or becomes defective whilst not in play at a kick off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in:
- the match is restarted accordingly
The ball may not be changed during the match without the authority of the referee.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Football: Rules and regulations
Football Rules The Football Association is responsible for ensuring that the international Laws of the Game are applied on the field, and that the rules and regulations concerned with running football in England are observed by officials, clubs and players off the pitch as well as on it. The Rules of The Football Association
The Laws of the Game are determined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), and The Rules and Regulations of The Football Association, determined by The FA Council, are aimed at establishing an efficient and fair regulatory structure. These rules and regulations cover matters ranging from the affiliation of clubs and associations, to misconduct, financial dealings and arbitration...
Rules 2008-2009 (download pdf)
Laws of the Game
The original Laws have changed only marginally over the years.
Today's 17 Laws continue to be based upon the rules that were first ratified by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) when it was founded in 1886.
Changes have occurred in accordance with the specific evolution and demands of modern-day football, but the key element remains of football being seen as essentially a simple game, with laws that can be applied in the same way at any level from the World Cup Final to a friendly game on a local park.
You can read all the laws of the game by clicking on any of the links below. We also give you details of the laws that apply to small-sided football and mini-soccer...
Law 1 - The Field of Play
Field Surface
Matches may be played on natural or artificial surfaces, according to the rules of the competition.
Dimensions
The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length: minimum 90m (100yds), maximum 120m (130yds)
Width: minimum 45m (50yds), maximum 90m (100yds)
International matches
Length: minimum 100m (110yds), maximum 110m (120yds)
Width: minimum 64m (70yds), maximum 75m (80yds)
Field Markings
The field of play is marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.
The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines The two shorter lines are called goal lines
All lines are not more than 12cm (5ins) wide.
The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line.
The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 9.15m(10yds) is marked around it.
The Goal Area
A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal lines, 5.5m (6yds) from the inside of the goalpost.These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 5.5m (6yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
The Penalty Area
A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5m (18yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 16.5m (18yds) 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 11m (12yds) from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15m (10yds) is drawn outside the penalty area from each penalty mark.
Flagposts
A flagpost, not less than 1.5m (5ft) high, with a non pointed top and a flag is placed at each corner.
Flagposts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less then 1m (1yd) outside the touch line.
The Corner Arc
A quarter circle with a radius of 1m (1 yd) from each corner flagpost is drawn inside the field of play.
Goals
Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line.
They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flagposts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar.
The distance between the posts is 7.32m (8yds) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44m (8ft).
Both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width and depth which do not exceed 12cm(5ins). The goal lines are the same width as the depth 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.
Safety
Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
Decisions of the International FA Board
Decision 1
If the crossbar becomes displaced or broken, play is stopped until it has been repaired or replaced in position. If a repair is not possible, the match is abandoned. The use of a rope to replace the crossbar is not permitted. If the crossbar can be repaired, the match is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when play was stopped.*
Decision 2
Goalposts and crossbars must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. Their shape may be square, rectangular, round or elliptical and they must not be dangerous to players.
Decision 3
No kind of commercial advertising, whether real or virtual, is permitted on the field of play and the field equipment (including the goal nets and the areas they enclose) from the time the teams enter the field of play until they have left it at half-time and from the time the teams re-enter the field of play until the end of the match. In particular, no advertising materials of any kind may be displayed on goals, nets, flagposts or their flags. No extraneous equipment (cameras, microphones, etc.) may be attached to these items.
Decision 4
There should be no advertising of any kind on the ground within the technical area or within one metre from the touch line. Further, no advertising shall be allowed in the area between the goal line and the goal nets.
Decision 5
The reproduction whether real or virtual, of representative logos or emblems of FIFA, Confederations, National Associations, Leagues, Clubs or other bodies, is forbidden on the field of play and field equipment (including the goal nets and the areas they enclose) during playing time, as described in Decision 3.
Decision 6
A mark may be made off the field of play, 9.15 metres (10yds) from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal line, to ensure that this distance is observed when a corner kick is being taken.
Decision 7
Where artificial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representative teams of associations affiliated to FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA.
Decision 8
Where a technical area exists, it must meet the requirements approved by the International FA Board, which are contained in this publication.
The history of cricket
The game of cricket is the second most popular game in the world, second only to soccer. Cricket appears to have an eventful and colorful history, although the exact origins of the game are unknown. As far back as the 1300's, a mention of the game "creag" is found. However it is unclear whether this is the beginnings of modern-day cricket. The name "cricket" may have come from the word "cric". The word cric stood for the hooked staffs carried by Shepards. These may have been the first cricket bats. Cricket in its early days in England was considered a child's game, not to be played by serious adults.
At the end of the English Civil War in 1648, the new government clamped down on recreational cricket that was played on Sundays. In these days cricket was played mostly by the working class and Sunday was their only opportunity to play. Interest in the sport seemed to diminish. As the years progressed, cricket once again regained popularity as a betting game. In the year 1688 the Puritan government of England was gone and the Monarchy was in power again. Cricket was favored by the government and regained some respectability. There were still huge problems in the world of cricket however. Betting and rioting marred the game. Around the year 1784 a London magistrate deemed cricket to be "respectable" even though there were still problems with wagering.
Finally in the year 1788 the "Laws of Cricket" were born. The Laws were written by the Marylebone Cricket Club. Except for some minor revisions, these laws are still adhered to in present day cricket. One notable change was in 1864 when over arm bowling was first used legally. Cricket is the only sport today that has laws instead of rules. Gaining even more respectability in the late 1700s, cricket became the game of "gentlemen". The Laws of Cricket were used for play in England and the Eastern United States. These laws covered the length of the pitch, the distance from the pitching crease to the bowling crease, wicket size, and ball weight.
The cricket fields were leveled and manicured in the 1800's. Up until this time the fields were rough and bumpy. South Africa and Australia began to play cricket seriously during this time. In the year 1844 the first international game of cricket was played in the state of New York in the United States. This match was played between the United States and Canada. Later, in 1877, England traveled to Australia for the first international test match. The match was played in Melbourne Australia. The Australians won the match by 45 runs.
A few years later in 1882, Australia again beat England. It was a close match with Australia winning by 8 runs. This prompted an English writer to publish an obituary for English cricket. The obituary pronounced it "dead". It went on to say that the body would be cremated and that the ashes would be spread over Australia. The next summer England played another series against Australia. This was dubbed by the press as an English endeavor to "reclaim the ashes". A small trophy filled with ashes was made and given to the British Captain. To this day, all test matches between England and Australia are said to be played "for the ashes".
In the year 1900 cricket made its first and only appearance in the Olympics. The match was between France and Britain. Most of the French players came from the British Embassy in France, so mostly British players played the match. Britain won the match and the gold medal. Today there is a renewed interest in cricket becoming an Olympic game.
The ICC was formed in 1909. The Imperial Cricket Conference was formed to govern the laws of cricket. The ICC is known today as the International Cricket Conference. The founding countries of the ICC were England, South Africa, and Australia.
The years 1932 and 1933 saw the laws of cricket being tightened. English players were throwing short-pitched balls at the Australian batters in an attempt at intimidation. England won this series, but ill feelings still exist between Australian and English players because of this series.
In the 1960's some English teams began playing a shortened version of cricket that allowed a match to be completed in only one day. Up until this time the average cricket match could last up to five days. Some fans and players felt this shortened form of cricket to be an insult to the game, so it was not widely accepted by traditional cricket fans. The first one-day international match was played in Melbourne, Australia in 1971. This match prompted the ICC to organize the "Cricket World Cup" to be played every four years. These matches are strictly one-day matches.
In 1981 the ICC banned underarm bowling as a result of a match between New Zealand and Australia. Australian captain Greg Chappell ordered his brother Trevor to use the underarm bowling technique to stop New Zealand from winning a match. Greg's actions angered many in the cricketing community prompting the change.
Today cricket remains a well-loved sport. Some young men in Australia and England grow up hoping to one day "play for the ashes". It is a sport steeped in tradition and its fans are loyal. Although the history of cricket was rocky at times, it's a solid sport that will be around for years to come.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sports: General Health Fitness Tips
10 Essential Health Tips
(The Basics to Practice Every Day)
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.
7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and ca
ncer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.
Wishing you the very best of health!
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