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Law 2  - The Ball   ballfire.gif (9078 bytes)

The aim of this page is to recognise an acceptable match ball, to know when to examine it, and the action to take if it is not acceptable.

1. Introduction:

Dopey Tests the Balls Ref Cartoon By Julian Carosi
2. Quantities and Measurements:
3. Replacement of a Defective Ball:
4. Decisions of the International F. A.Board:
5. Questions and Answers:

1. Introduction:                                    Go Back to the Top of this Page

History: Balls were not exactly round when the first club and country matches took place many years ago. A pig’s bladder was blown up like a balloon, tied at the ends and placed inside a leather case, affording it an egg shape. The discovery of Indian rubber in the 1860s gave the ball greater roundness. While it is true footballs of yesteryear gained weight in wet conditions, they were in fact lighter than today’s ball. In 1889, the spherical object used had to be between 12-15 ounces (340 – 425 grams) but this increased to 14-16 ounces (397 -454 grams) in 1937. (FIFA)

Balls are now made in many sizes. There are normal size 5 balls, small size 3 and size 4 balls for youth play, and even smaller "speed" balls for training. There are weighted balls for indoor play and goalkeeper training. There are indoor 5-a-side and 6-a-side balls, some fluffy, some smooth. The most important thing is to know which size is appropriate for the game in which you are the Referee. Competition rules (or common sense) usually specify which size can be used. Most players, parents and coaches do not have a clue which size the ball should be. So stamp your authority, and just make a decision - don't worry too much if it is the right decision or the wrong one - after all, both teams will be using the same ball!

Ball construction materials also vary considerably; as do methods of manufacture, surface friction and design. Weather and skill will affect what players can do with specific ball types. A more skilled team will generally prefer a harder ball - one inflated to the Law maximum. A team with less skill, will usually prefer a softer ball - even one which is under-inflated. Cold weather will cause a properly inflated ball to become soft; conversely, hot whether can cause a ball to become over inflated. In the 'olden days' leather balls became very heavy during wet weather, but fortunately, today's waterproof materials enable balls to remain fairly constant during all types of weather. The very best balls are hand-sewn leather with a very thin plastic coating that keeps out the water. I can still remember being 'poll-axed' by a wet leather ball that hit me like a cannon ball, and knocked me clean off my feet - those balls were also renowned for giving one or two head aches to the centre backs.

 

It has been mentioned that the 1996/97 "FIFA Approved" balls' Law change was nothing more than a fund-raiser for the sanctioning body - but common sense has prevailed - and now the "FIFA Approved" stipulation applies to FIFA competition matches organised under the auspices of the confederations (whatever that means?). Us lesser mortals are now permitted to use footballs that meet with the minimum technical requirements stipulated in Law 2. As long as your match is not a "FIFA Competition", you can use any ball which meets the requirements of Law 2. In the interests of fairness and safety, you should not use balls that are noticeably misshapen or have defective panels, or are obviously too large for your players, or are over or under-inflated. Most players are only too happy to use the best ball available under the circumstances. But remember - the Referee is not responsible for supplying the ball, or for 'pumping them up' to the correct inflation, so make sure you deal strongly with any moans about the suitability of a (not quite perfect) ball once a match has started.

 

2. Quantities and Measurements:                Go Back to the Top of this Page

 

The ball must be:

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is the Referee's duty to ensure that the match balls meet the requirements of Law 2, and to check that there is nothing defective with the balls, that would be dangerous to players. Most balls are made to a standard size and weight, so size and weight is rarely a problem. In local park level games, the Referee should accept any ball which conforms to Law 2.

 
International Board Decision (see below) mentions use of FIFA approved balls, this only applies to FIFA Competition matches, as also mentioned in my introduction above.

The ball must obviously be spherical and capable of being rolled along the ground evenly. As a ball ages, it can become deformed. The most common problem is lack of pressure. Club secretaries will either pump it up so that it is as hard as a cannon ball, or leave it as soft as a sponge.

A good method of checking the circumference of a ball is to carry a piece of pre-measured string in your Referee's kit bag, knotted at 68 to 70 cm's (27 to 28 inches). This can easily be used to measure the circumference of the ball.

When weighing a ball, use your judgement to check the weight before the match starts. Referees soon learn to judge whether or not a ball is fit for play, without having to actually carry out detailed measurement.  The pressure of a ball may vary quite a bit, but still be within the acceptable limits. If you hold a ball head-high and drop it on firm ground, it should bounce back up to about waist high. Experienced Referees can tell by squeezing a ball if its inflation is within standards. When pressed hard with your thumbs, the ball should indent by about 5mm to 10mm, about half the amount of your thumb nail - and feel comfortable without feeling too soft or too hard. Under-inflated balls also make a characteristic dull sound when kicked or dropped - like smacking the face of a dissenting player (if only!!).

 Use a thumb to measure the pressure of the ball.

Match balls should be provided by the Home team club and passed to the Referee in good time before the match starts. The Referee should select the best of the balls presented to him - for the match ball. Of course, there will be times when the Home team balls are not fit to use. Use your common sense and obtain a ball from wherever, to allow the match to be played. It is not uncommon for Junior clubs to give the ball to the Referee just before the kick-of, with the result that the game must be delayed to rectify any faults with the ball. AND invariably the Junior club does not have a replacement ball or a pump !! The Referee should try and obtain the match balls in good time before the game starts, so as to allow sufficient time to rectify any faults.

Check all of the balls before the game starts.

If the match ball is the only ball available during a game, and it becomes unsuitable, finish the game if at all possible and report to the authorities.

Try to gain possession of the match ball at the end of each half, and don’t forget to take the match ball out with you at the start of a game and at the commencement of half-time.

The ball may not be changed during a match without the Referee’s authority.

 

3. Replacement of a Defective Ball:                   Go Back to the Top of this Page

 

If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:

 

 

 

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 ball may not be changed during the match without the authority of the referee.

 

How to recognise a damaged ball:                Go Back to the Top of this Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4. Decisions of the International F.A. Board:    Go Back to the Top of this Page

Decision 1

In competition matches, only footballs which meet the minimum technical requirements stipulated in Law 2 are permitted for use.

In FIFA competition matches, and in competition matches organised under the auspices of the confederations, acceptance of a football for use is conditional upon the football bearing one of the following three designations:

 

 

 

fifa-app.gif (6192 bytes) fifa-ins.gif (3178 bytes)

INTERNATIONAL MATCH BALL STANDARD

Such a designation on a football indicates that it has been tested officially and found to be in compliance with specific technical requirements, different for each category and additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2. The list of the additional requirements specific to each of the respective categories must be approved by the International F.A. Board. The institutes conducting the tests are subject to the approval of FIFA.

National association competitions may require the use of balls bearing any one of these three designations.

In all other matches the ball used must satisfy the requirements of Law 2.

Decision 1

In FIFA competition matches and in competition matches organised under the auspices of the confederations and national associations, no kind of commercial advertising on the ball is permitted, except for the emblem of the competition, the competition organiser and the authorised trademark of the manufacturer. The competition regulations may restrict the size and number of such markings.

 

5. Questions and Answers:                       Go Back to the Top of this Page

Additional Questions and Answers provided by FIFA covering all of the Laws of the game, can be found on this web site here. The original FIFA Questions and Answers pdf file can be downloaded from the FIFA web site here.

 

Question 1: An attacker shoots the ball towards goal and the ball bursts as it hits the cross-bar, and crosses the goal line between the goal posts, and a goal is scored. What should the Referee do, and how should the game be restarted ?

Answer 1: The action to be taken when a ball bursts, is shown in Law 2 (and Law 8), where it says:

If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of the match, the match is stopped. The match is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the place where the first ball became defective (except in the goal area where the dropped ball is taken from that part of the goal area line that runs parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped).       

Therefore, as far as the Laws are concerned, if the ball bursts as it hits the crossbar, the game should be stopped, and restarted with a dropped ball taken from that part of the goal area line that runs parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to where the ball burst on the crossbar.

In 2005, FIFA confused this issue, by including in their Questions and Answers, the following in Law 14-The Penalty Kick:

Q5. When a penalty kick is taken, the ball strikes the goalpost and/or crossbar and bursts. What action does the referee take? 
A5: If the ball enters the goal directly after hitting the goal post or crossbar the goal is allowed. 
If the ball rebounds into play the referee stops play, obtains a replacement ball and restarts play with a dropped ball. * 
If this second situation occurs during additional time, the match ends.

This advice by 2005 FIFA was contrary to that given by them in the same Law 14 question and answer shown in the 2004 edition, whereby a dropped ball was the recommended restart, and the goal disallowed.  

In normal play, when a ball hits the crossbar, it only takes the very smallest of things to deflect the ball away from its normal path. This could mean the difference between a goal being scored or not being scored. A ball bursting as it hits the crossbar, is a major incident that will have a marked effect on the trajectory of a damaged ball. It is therefore, blatantly unfair to allow a goal to count, based on the high probability that a burst ball is much more likely to go forwards, and therefore into (or over) the goal due to its forward momentum, than for the deflated ball to bounce back off the crossbar (which is the more likely scenario with a fully-inflated ball).

Until the Laws are changed, the game must therefore be stopped as soon as the ball bursts (when it hits the cross-bar). The game should be restarted with a dropped ball on the 6 yard line parallel to where the ball burst on the cross bar. The goal does not count. The same principle should be applied when the ball bursts on the crossbar during the taking of a penalty kick.

 

Question 2: If the ball is stopped or interfered with by an outside agent, or if it bursts on its way towards the goal whilst a player is taking a penalty kick, what action should the Referee take?

Answer 2. Law 14 (The Penalty Kick) states that if the ball is touched by an outside agent, 'the kick is retaken'.

(See also my Question and Answer No. 1 on the Law 12 Sending-Off Off page.)

Law 2 (The Ball) states that 'If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match - the match is stopped - the match is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the place where the first ball became defective. (If the ball was out of play when damaged, restart as normal i.e. goal kick, throw-in etc..... )'

During the taking of a penalty kick, the ball becomes 'in-play' as soon as it is touched and moves forward. In this example, the ball was on its way, and therefore 'in-play'. The correct restart by Law should be a dropped ball at the place where the first ball became defective during the taking of the penalty kick. But see my advice below.

If the ball bursts on impact without actually moving forward, then the ball is NOT in-play - Law 2 (The Ball) states '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 with the original restart.'

It would be very difficult for the Referee to identify exactly when a ball bursts immediately after it has been kicked. My advice here, is to give the benefit of the doubt to the kicker, and retake the penalty kick. The fact that the impact of the boot on the ball is almost certainly the catalyst for making the ball burst. The fact that the ball bursts immediately, or two yards forward from the penalty mark is really irrelevant. The moment of impact occurs 'out-of' play before the ball moves, and therefore, the kick should be retaken.

But if the ball hits the goal post and then bursts, and then bounces back out into the field of play, the restart should be a drop ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to where the ball hit the crossbar and burst. In this instance, it was the crossbar and not the kicker that was the catalyst in making the ball burst 'whilst it was in-play' after the penalty kick had been taken.

 

Question 3: How can you tell when a ball is in play, and when it is out of play?

Answer 3: See the 'The Ball in and out of Play Law 9' page.

Law 9 states that the ball is out of play when it has wholly crosses the goal line or touch line, irrespective of whether the ball is in the air or on the ground. The ball is also deemed out of play as soon as the Referee stops play for any reason. The ball is in play at all other times including when it rebounds from a goal post, crossbar or corner flag post and remains on the field of play. The ball is also in play if it rebounds back onto the field of play from either the Referee or an Assistant Referee or Club Linesman when they are on the field of play.

The whole circumference of the (complete) ball must cross over the line before a goal, throw-in, corner kick or goal-kick can be awarded. If the ball is only 3/4 over the line, then it is considered to be still in play. Players can become very frustrated when they feel that the ball has wholly crossed the line, and the Referee (or Assistant Referee) thinks otherwise! Referees are advised to shout play on when this happens. It can be very frustrating for the Referee also, when players constantly challenge your eyesight!

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Question 4: How many sides does the ball have?

Answer 4: Law 2 states that the ball is spherical, so it can only have 2 sides, inside and outside! Unless you are counting the panels - in which case, the it would be up to the manufacturer of the ball to determine. You're welcome to count them if you like!

 

Question 5: During the taking of a throw in, the ball is thrown down over the touchline, in the air. The ball then curves back out of play without touching another player. Does the throw in have to be retaken, or should the throw be awarded to the other side?

Answer 5: As soon as the edge of the ball intersects the plane of the outer edge of the touch line, the ball is deemed to be in play. If the ball then leaves the field of play by travelling wholly over the touchline (either in the air or on the ground), without being touched by another player, then a throw in should be awarded to the opposing team - in this case, to the team who were not taking the original throw in. The ball does not require to be touched by any player after it is thrown back into play, and before it travels back out of play from a legally completed throw-in. The throw-in awarded to the opposing team should be taken from the point where the ball finally left the field of play. The only instance when the same team would retake a throw-in at the same place, would be if the ball had not properly entered the field of play. This sometimes happens if the ball slips in the players hands, and does not come into the field of play.

 

Question 6: A ball kicked towards goal by an attacking player, stops exactly on top of the goal line. The goalkeeper rushes out and safely picks up the ball that remains in play. Whilst picking up the ball, the goalkeeper places both feet behind the goal line, out of the field of play. The goalkeeper's first action after picking up the ball is to bring both feet back into the field of play. The Referee ruled that both the ball and the goalkeeper must have been out of bounds and awarded a corner kick to the opposing team. Did the Referee make the correct decision?

Answer 6: Certainly not!                           Go Back to the Top of this Page
The ball is only out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line whether on the ground or in the air. So long as the ball remains in the field of play, it doesn't matter where the body or the feet of the goalkeeper are placed. The ball is the only determining factor, and all that matters is that the ball remains in play. The ball is in play even if the goalkeeper is laying down outside of the field of play, with only his hands on the ball inside the field of play. Conversely, if the goalkeeper had been standing inside the field of play, picked up the ball that was still in play, and then pulled the ball back behind him and all the way over the goal line in the motion of throwing the ball back into play, the ball would have then crossed out of the field of play, even though the goalkeeper was standing inside. In this case, a corner kick should be awarded to the opposing team.

 

Question 7. Why do footballs have multicoloured panels?

Answer 7: The ability of a ball to spin is an important part of playing football. This adds excitement and uncertainty to play, and enables skilful players to do all sorts of things to alter the trajectory of the ball whilst it travels through the air. The multicoloured panels make it easier to see the spin, and gives the texture of the ball more friction area to create spin. Of course, not all balls are not multicoloured, many are just a single colour. The Referee may replace the original ball with one of a different colour if this makes the ball more visible. Orange balls are sometimes used in snowy circumstances; this allows players (and television spectators) to see the ball more easily against the predominant white snowy background. Manufacturers also like to make their balls unique and recognisable by adding touches of colour and design.

 

Question 8: During the taking of a penalty kick, the ball deflects off the goal post and into the goal. The Referee awards the goal and makes his way back to the centre circle for the restart. In the meantime, the goalkeeper retrieves the ball from the back of the net and notices that it has become deflated and obviously below the regulation pressure. The goalkeeper makes his way - with the ball - towards the Referee and hands him the ball suggesting that the lack of pressure could have helped the ball squeeze in off the post instead of possibly rebounding back into play. What should the Referee do?


Answer 8: The Referee obviously had no idea whether the ball burst before or after the penalty kick was taken. Therefore, the goal must be allowed to stand. The ball should be replaced or reinflated to the correct pressure, before play can recommence. If the Referee did not observe that the ball had burst before or during the penalty kick then he has no option but to award the goal and restart with a new ball. The Referee can only assume that the ball became defective sometime after the goal was scored. To allow the kick to be retaken under these circumstances, would open the door for dishonest players to burst the ball out of site of the Referee and then claim a retake of the penalty kick. The Referee, with the help of his Assistant Referees, is the sole arbitrator as to when the ball is deemed to have burst or become deflated, and whether a goal is allowed or not.

 

Question 9: How can you tell if a ball is spherical or not?

Answer 9: Throw the ball into the air with a spin on it. The ball should rotate and spin evenly. Roll the ball along an even flat floor and watch for irregularities. If you detect a wobble, you've probably got a defective ball. Most of us are capable of using our eyes to see if a ball is spherical or not. A ball can become misshapen during the course of a game, so Referees will need to react to any queries emanating from players about the irregularity of the ball. Players are very quick at detecting when a ball is not behaving as it should do. It's a pity that they do not detect so quickly when they have breached the Laws!
If the ball is becomes heavy on a wet field, or the ball appears to be out of shape or wobbling, Referees are often very receptive to a polite suggestion to change balls. Similarly, the Referee will listen to suggestions at half-time that the ball has become "a bit flat" and will test the ball and apply some more air if needs be.

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Question 10: Are there any types of balls that a Referee should specifically avoid using?

Answer 10: Any ball that could be deemed unsafe or dangerous to the players must be avoided. It is very obvious when a ball is dangerous. The usual problem is damage to the outer plastic covering which becomes jagged, with sharp edges sticking out from the surface of the ball. Some people object to balls manufactured by the use of child labour (from manufacturers who openly and wrongly guarantee that their products are made by adults). It is very difficult to ascertain the manufacturing origin of footballs, but any such manufacturers should immediately be given the RED card and a permanent suspension!

 

Question 11: Do managers, coaches or players have the right to insist on a ball change?

Answer 11: The Referee is the sole judge as to the suitability of the ball(s). As long as the ball meets all the requirements of the Law 2, then the ball should be retained. All decisions as to which ball is to be used, or when a ball should be changed, are the Referees prerogative - and nobody else's. Managers, coaches or substitutes should not attempt to change the match balls or alter the inflation without the Referee's prior approval. This could be considered as gamesmanship that could lead to disciplinary action being taken against the perpetrators. Some teams will also use the excuse of a 'supposed' defective ball, to try and waste time during the closing minutes of the game in which they are winning - Referees will need to be aware of such unsporting tactics.
Most referees will not take offence to comments like "Ref., the ball feels a bit hard / soft"


Sufficient balls should be tested by the Referee prior to game commencing. These spare balls should be retained in an agreed position (usually in the technical area) to enable play to recommence should the match ball be lost or become unobtainable. Most Referees will insist on a spare ball being kept somewhere handy, in order to expedite restarts. There are occasions at many grounds, where balls are retained at strategic points around the field of play. For instance, there are grounds near, or alongside rivers, where the ball is very often lost in the water. And more than often, Park grounds are surrounded by housing with high or sometimes impenetrable fences - making it impossible to rescue any wayward balls quickly. In such circumstances, spare balls will be kept in strategic locations, to enable play to be restarted quickly, or to avoid players having to chase down the road amongst traffic, for rolling balls!

Have you ever wondered why nearly all grounds are built on the top of hills, so that balls leaving the field of play always seem to roll about ten times further than they should!! And players never want to retrieve them - they always expect somebody else to run after the ball! Or what about the player who purposefully walks at a snail's pace to retrieve a ball that has gone some 50 yards outside of the field of play - but as soon as play has restarted, they are running around like headless chickens!

If 'ballboys' (or ballpersons) are available, the Referee or Fourth Official should be aware of them before commencement of the match. Ball persons must serve both the teams equally. In other words, the ball must be returned to both teams with the same urgency. Referees, Assistant Referees, and Fourth Officials must also ensure that extra balls do not enter the field of play during the course of the match. When this happens, common sense dictates whether the Referee needs to stop play or not to rid the extra ball from the filed of play.

It has also been noticed , that when a team has a player who is capable of throwing the ball a large distance, strategic towels are sometimes placed around the field of play, to enable this throwing player to dry his hands and gain extra purchase to enable the ball to be thrown further into the penalty area during wet weather. I see this as an unfair advantage, and against the spirit of the game. (See my Law 18 - Common Sense page).

 

Question 12: Is the ball considered to be an object when it is used to strike an opponent?

Answer 12: Yes, and the perpetrator should be punished accordingly by the Referee, depending on the severity of the projected ball. For spitting and striking offences and their restarts -  see here.

 

Question 13: Can additional balls be placed around the field of play for use during the match?

Answer 13: Yes. Provided the balls meet the requirements of Law 2 and are under the control of the Referee.

 

Question 14: During the taking of a corner kick, if the ball is caught by an outside agent on the field of play, without being touched by another player, what action should the Referee take?

Answer 14: The Referee should stop play, and restart with a dropped ball at the place where the outside agent touched the ball.

 

Question 15: What are the various ball sizes?

Answer 15: Most soccer balls can be divided into three different categories, professional match balls, match balls, and practice balls. Footballs come in the following official sizes: 

Size 5                 Ages 12 and up 
Size 4                 Ages 8 and 12 years 
Size 3                 Under 8 years 
Size 2 and 1      Promotional soccer balls

Size 3

Size 4

Size 5

For more information on footballs please visit the excellent  SoccerBallWorld.com

End of this 'Law 2 - The Ball' page

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