CML Rules and Regulations

Table of Contents

1. The Field

1.1. Field Surface

The field of play must be a wholly natural or, if competition rules permit, a wholly artificial playing surface, except where competition rules permit an integrated combination of artificial and natural materials (hybrid system).

The colour of artificial surfaces must be green.

1.2. Field Markings

The field of play must be rectangular and marked with continuous lines, which must not be dangerous; artificial playing surface material may be used for the field markings on natural fields if it is not dangerous. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.

The two longer boundary lines are touchlines. The two shorter lines are goal lines.

The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which joins the midpoints of the two touchlines.

The centre mark is at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 5 m is marked around it.

Marks may be made off the field of play 5 m from the corner arc at right angles to the goal lines and the touchlines.

All lines must be of the same width, which must not be more than 12 cm (5 inches). The goal lines must be the same width as the goalposts and the crossbar.

On artificial surfaces, other lines are permitted, provided they are a different colour and distinguishable from the football lines.

A player who makes unauthorized marks on the field must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour. If the referee notices this being done during the match, the player is cautioned when the ball next goes out of play.

1.3. The Penalty Area

Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5 m from inside each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for 7 m and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line of 14m.

The penalty area can be marked with temporary markers if the penalty box isn’t lined up.

A penalty mark is made 7.5 m from the midpoint between the goalposts within each penalty area.

2. The Ball

2.1. Dimensions

All balls must be:

Size 5,
Spherical,
made of suitable material,
of a circumference of between 70 cm (28 ins) and 68 cm (27 ins),
between 450 g (16 oz) and 410 g (14 oz) in weight at the start of the match,
of a pressure equal to 0.6 –1.1 atmosphere (600 –1,100 g/cm2) at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq in –15.6 lbs/sq in).

2.2. Replacement of a defective ball

If the ball becomes defective:

play is stopped, and
restarted by dropping the replacement ball where the original ball became defective.

If the ball becomes defective at a kick-off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in the restart is re-taken.

If the ball becomes defective during a penalty kick or kicks from the penalty mark as it moves forward and before it touches a player, crossbar or goalposts the penalty kick is retaken.

The ball may not be changed during the match without the referee’s permission.

2.3. Additional balls

Additional balls which meet the requirements of Rule 2 may be placed around the field of play and their use is under the referee’s control.

The “home team” is responsible for bringing at least 3 (three) game balls for the game. The “home team” must borrow one of the balls to the “away team” for warm-up if they don’t have their own balls. The “away team” is responsible for the ball during the warm-up. If the ball gets damaged or lost/stolen during the warm-up, the team will be charged for a new ball that will be given to the borrowing team.

The team officials/captains of the away team are responsible for returning the ball from the home team official/captain before the kick-off.
The team officials/captains of the home team are responsible for accepting the ball from the away team official/captain before the kick-off.
Borrowing teams are not responsible for balls lost after kick-off.

3. Players

3.1. Number of Players

A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of six players; one must be the goalkeeper. A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than four players.

If a team has fewer than four players because one or more players have deliberately left the field of play, the referee is not obliged to stop play, and the advantage may be played, but the match must not resume after the ball has gone out of play if a team does not have the minimum number of four players.

If the competition rules state that all players and substitutes must be named before kickoff and a team starts a match with fewer than six players, only the players and substitutes on the team list may participate in the match upon their arrival.

For any match, the names of the players and substitutes designated for the match must be entered in the GotSport system before the start of the match; Any substitute whose name has not been given to the referee before the match cannot take part in the match.

3.2. Substitution

When the ball is in or out of play, a replacement may be made. For each replacement, the following provisions should be observed:

The player leaving the court must leave the field before the substitute can enter the field
An unlimited number of substitutions is allowed during a match.
The substitute enters the field of play only after the exit of the player to be replaced.
A replaced player can return to the field.

3.3. Goalkeeper Swap (Swapping)

Any player on the field may swap with the goalkeeper when the game is stopped.

The referee must be informed beforehand about the swap. If the referee isn’t informed, the referee may grant a yellow card to both players.
Replacement is done during a game stop.

3.4. Changing the Goalkeeper

Any substitute can replace the goalkeeper without the referees being warned and without the game being stopped.

A player or substitute who becomes a goalkeeper must wear a goalkeeper’s jersey or have a jersey of different colours than both home and away teams.

3.5. Offences and Sanctions

If a substitute player starts a match in the place of a registered player and the referee is not informed of the change:

The referee allows the substitute player to continue the match.
No disciplinary sanction is taken against the player registered as a substitute.
The player registered as a holder becomes a substitute.

If a player switches with the goalkeeper without the referee’s permission, the referee:

The referee lets the game continue.
Cautions both players on the next stoppage of play.

If a substitute enters the playing field before the replaced player has left or enters the game without passing through the substitution zone of his team:

Subject to the advantage, the referees will interrupt play,

Caution the player that he has not followed the substitution procedure and order him to leave the field of play.

If the referees interrupt the game, he will resume with an indirect free kick in favour of the opposing team, executed from the position of the ball when the play is stopped.

If this substitute or his team commits another offence, the game will resume according to the Rules of the Minifootball Game.

If a replaced player leaves the field of play without passing through the substitution zone of his team:

Subject to the advantage, the referees will interrupt the game.
Caution the player for not respecting the substitution procedure.

If the referees have interrupted the game, he will resume with an indirect free kick in favour of the opposing team, executed from the position of the ball when the play was stopped.

For any other offence under this Act:

Players will be cautioned.
When play is stopped, the game must be restarted by an indirect free kick in favour of the opposing team from the ball’s position.

3.6. Extra persons on the field of play

Anyone who is not named on the team roster is an outside agent.

If a team official, substitute, substituted, or sent-off player enters the field of play, the referee has to stop the game, may take appropriate disciplinary action and will remove the extra person from the field of play.

If the ball goes to the goal and that extra person prevents him from entering and denies a clear goal opportunity, in that case, the referee will award a direct free kick or penalty, take the necessary disciplinary action and the offending team will take over.

If a ball is going into the goal and the extra person is a defending player, the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal.

3.7. The player outside the field of play

If a player who requires the referee’s permission to re-enter the field of play re-enters without the referee’s permission, the referee must:

stop play (not immediately if the player does not interfere with play or a match official or if the advantage can be applied)
caution the player for entering the field of play without permission
have the player removed.

If the referee stops play, it must be restarted:

with a direct free kick from the position of the interference
with an indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped if there was no interference

A player who crosses a boundary line as part of a playing movement does not commit an offence.

3.8. The goal was scored with an extra person on the field of play

If, after a goal is scored, the referee realizes, before play restarts, an extra person was on the field of play when the goal was scored, the referee must disallow the goal if the extra person was:

a player, substitute, substituted player, sent off player or team official of the team that scored the goal; play is restarted with a direct free kick from the position of the extra person
an outside agent who interfered with play unless a goal results as outlined above in ‘extra persons on the field of play; play is restarted with a dropped ball

The referee must allow the goal if the extra person was:

a player, substitute, substituted player, sent off player or team official of the team that conceded the goal
an outside agent who did not interfere with the play.

In all cases, the referee must have the extra person removed from the field of play.

If, after a goal is scored and play has restarted, the referee realizes an extra person was on the field of play when the goal was scored, the goal can not be disallowed. If the extra person is still on the field, the referee must:

stop play
have the extra person removed
restart with a dropped ball or free kick as appropriate

The referee must report the incident to the appropriate authority.

3.9. Team Captain

The team captain has no special status or privileges but has a degree of responsibility for the behaviour of the team.

4. Equipment

4.1. Safety

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.

All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is permitted.

If a player is wearing or using unauthorized / dangerous equipment or jewellery the referee must order the player to remove the item

A player who refuses to comply or wears the item again must be cautioned.

4.2. Jerseys and Equipment

The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and the match officials.

Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players, and the match officials.

Each player must have a jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards and proper footwear. Running shoes and/or sneakers are not allowed. Only soccer shoes (cleats, turf shoes, indoor shoes, etc.) are permitted.

Non-dangerous protective equipment, for example, headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight padded material, are permitted, as are goalkeepers’ caps and sports spectacles.

4.3. Colours

The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and the match officials.

Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players and the match officials.

If the two goalkeepers’ shirts are the same colour, and neither has another shirt, the referee allows the match to be played.

Undershirts must be the same colour as the primary colour of the shirt sleeve; undershorts/tights must be the same colour as the main colour of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts – players of the same team must wear the same colour.

4.4. Slogans, Statements, Images and Advertising

Equipment must not have any political, religious or offensive slogans, statements or images.

Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, offensive slogans, statements or images.

For any offence, the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the CML or by the Canadian Minifootball Federation.

4.5. Offences and Sanctions

For any offence, play need not be stopped, and the player:

is instructed by the referee to leave the field of play to correct the equipment
leaves when play stops unless the equipment has already been corrected

A player who leaves the field of play to correct or change equipment must:

have the equipment checked by a match official before being allowed to re-enter
only re-enter with the referee’s permission (which may be given during play)

A player who enters without permission must be cautioned, and if play is stopped to issue the caution, an indirect free kick is awarded from the position of the ball when play was stopped.

5. The Referee

5.1. Decisions of the Referee

Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Rules of the Game in connection with the match.

Decisions will be made to the best of the referee`s ability according to the Rules s of the Game and the ‘spirit of the game’ and will be based on the opinion of the referee, who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Rules of the Game.

The referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. The referee’s and all other match officials’ decisions must always be respected.

The referee may not change a decision on realizing that it is incorrect or on the advice of another match official if play has restarted or the referee has signalled the end of the first or second half (including extra time) and left the field of play or terminated the match.

5.2. Powers and Duties

The referee enforces the Rules of the Game.

Timekeeper keeps the record of the match and provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, including information on disciplinary action and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the match.

Punishes the more serious offence, in terms of sanction, restart, physical severity and tactical impact, when more than one offence occurs at the same time.

Takes disciplinary actions against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences

Has the authority to take disciplinary action from entering the field of play for the pre-match inspection until leaving the field of play after the match ends (including kicks from the penalty mark). If, before entering the field of play at the start of the match, a player commits a sending-off offence, the referee has the authority to prevent the player from participating in the match (see the rule 2.2); the referee will report any other misconduct.

Has the power to show yellow or red cards and, where competition rules permit, temporarily dismiss a player from entering the field of play at the start of the match until after the match has ended, including during the half-time interval, the extra time and kicks from the penalty mark.

Takes action against team officials who fail to act responsibly and may expel them from the field of play and its immediate surroundings; A medical team official who commits a dismissible offence may remain if the team has no other medical person available and act if a player needs medical attention.

Acts on the advice of other match officials regarding incidents that the referee has not seen

5.3. Injuries

The referee allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is only slightly injured.

The referee stops play if a player is seriously injured and ensures that the player is removed from the field of play.

An injured player may not be treated on the field of play and may only re-enter after play has restarted; if the ball is in play, re-entry must be from the touchline, but if the ball is out of play, it may be from any boundary line.

5.4. Outside Interference

Stops suspend or abandon the match for any offences or because of outside interference, e.g.:

The lights are inadequate or suddenly turn off.
An object thrown by a spectator hits a match official, a player or a team official, the referee may allow the match to continue, or stop, suspend or abandon it depending on the severity of the incident.
A spectator blows a whistle interfering with play – play is stopped and restarted with a dropped ball.

If an extra ball, other object or animal enters the field of play during the match, the referee must:

Stop play (and restart with a dropped ball) only if it interferes with play unless the ball is going into the goal and the interference does not prevent a defending player from playing the ball; the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal (even if contact was made with the ball) unless the ball enters the opponents’ goal.
Allow play to continue if it does not interfere with play, and have it removed at the earliest possible opportunity.
Allows no unauthorized persons to enter the field of play.

6. The Duration of the Match

6.1. Game Times

A match lasts for two equal halves of 25 minutes, which may only be reduced if agreed between the referee and the two teams before the start of the match and is in accordance with competition rules.

Players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 10 minutes.

6.2. Extra Time

The referee can add extra time in each half for all time lost in that half through:

Assessment and/or removal of injured players
Wasting time
Disciplinary sanctions
Stoppage for drinks or other medical reasons
Any other cause
The referee must not compensate for a timekeeping error during the first half by changing the length of the second half.

7. Start and Restart the Game

7.1. Kick-Off

A kick-off starts both halves of a match, both halves of extra time and restarts play after a goal has been scored.

The team that wins the toss of a coin decides if they want to start with the ball. For the second half, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals.

After a team scores a goal, their opponents take the kick-off.

All players, except the player taking the kick-off, must be in their own half of the field of play.

The opponents of the team taking the kick-off must be at least 5m from the ball until it is in play.

The ball must be stationary on the centre mark.

The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves

A goal may be scored directly against the opponent’s team from the kick-off. If the ball directly enters the kicker’s (own) goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opponent’s team.

If the player taking the kick-off touches the ball again before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded.

7.2. Dropped Ball

The referee drops the ball at the position where it was when play was stopped unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the ball is dropped on the goal area line, which is parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped.

The ball is in play when it touches the ground.

Any number of players may contest a dropped ball (including the goalkeepers); the referee cannot decide who may contest a dropped ball or its outcome.

The ball is dropped again if it:

touches a player before it touches the ground,

leaves the field of play after it touches the ground without touching a player

A dropped ball must be touched at least by two players before being able to score a goal. If the ball will not touch at least two players, play is restarted from the same spot.

8. The Ball IN and OUT of Play

8.1. Ball out of Play

The ball is out of play when:

It has wholly passed over the goal line or touchline on the ground or in the air.

The referee stopped the game.

The ball touches the ceiling or any obstruction above the field of play.

8.2. Ball in play

The ball is in play at all other times, including when it rebounds off a match official, goalpost, crossbar or corner flag post and remains in the field of play.

8.3. Covered stadium

Indoor, the minimum ceiling height will be specified by the rules of the competition, but it cannot be less than four meters or 15 feet.

If the ball touches the ceiling, the game resumes with an indirect free kick for the opposing team of the player who touched the ball last.

The throw-in must be made from the point closest to where the ball hit the ceiling.

9. The outcome of the Match

9.1. Goal Scored

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no offence has been committed by the team scoring the goal.

A goal cannot be validated if the goalkeeper of the attacking team intentionally throws or strike the ball with his hand or arm from his penalty area and is the last player who touches the ball. The game then resumes with a goal kick in favour of the opposing team.

If, after a goal has been scored and before the game resumes, the referees realize that the team that scored the goal is playing with an extra player or incorrectly made a substitution, they will cancel the goal and will resume play by an indirect free kick to be executed by the opposing team from any point on their penalty area.

9.2. Standings and Tiebreaker

The game’s winning team will receive 3 points, 1 point is awarded to each team if the game is tied, and the losing team will not receive any points.

If two or more teams will finish the competition with the same amount of points and are tied in standings, the tiebreakers are as follows:

Goal differential,
Goals against,
Head-to-head,
Most wins,
Penalty Shootout

9.3. Goals Scored as an Away Team

If the teams play in home-away matches and are tied for both matches, the rules of the competition may stipulate that any goal scored on the opposing team’s field counts twice.

9.4. Extra Time

The competition rules may provide an extension of two equal periods of 5 minutes each. The rules of the competition shall stipulate the precise duration of two equal periods of extra time.

10. Gameplay

10.1. Throw-ins

A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball passes over the touchline, on the ground or in the air.

A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in:

if the ball enters the opponent’s goal – a goal kick is awarded,

if the ball enters the thrower’s goal – a corner kick is awarded.

10.2. Goal Kicks

A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored.

A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team; if the ball directly enters the kicker’s goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents if the ball leaves the penalty area.

10.3. Corners

A corner kick is awarded when the whole ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a defending team player, and a goal is not scored.

A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team; if the ball directly enters the kicker’s goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents.

10.4. Penalty Kicks

A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits a direct free kick offence inside their penalty area or off the field as part of the play, as outlined in these rules.

A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.

10.5. Free Kicks

Direct and indirect free kicks are awarded to the opposing team of a player guilty of an offence.

11. Fouls and Misconducts

11.1. General Information

Direct and indirect free kicks and penalty kicks can only be awarded for offences committed when the ball is in play.

Until the ball is in play, all opponents must remain at least 5 m from the ball unless they are on their own goal line between the goalposts.

11.2. Direct Free Kick

A direct free kick is awarded if a player commits any of the following offences against an opponent in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:

Charges
jumps at
kicks or attempts to kick
pushes
strikes or attempts to strike (including head-butt)
tackles or challenges
trips or attempts to trip

If an offence involves contact, it is penalized by a direct free kick or penalty kick.

Carelessness is when a player shows a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution. No disciplinary sanction is needed.

Reckless is when a player disregards the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned.

Using excessive force is when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and/or endangers the safety of an opponent and must be sent off.

A direct free kick is awarded if a player commits any of the following offences:

handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within their penalty area),
holds an opponent,
impedes an opponent with contact,
spits at an opponent.

11.3. Handballs

A free kick or a penalty is awarded to the opposing team if a player makes contact with the ball with the hand or arm.

The following must be considered:

the movement of the hand towards the ball (not the ball towards the hand),
the distance between the opponent and the ball (unexpected ball),
the position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is an offence,
touching the ball with an object held in the hand (clothing, shin guard, etc.) is an offence,
hitting the ball with a thrown object (boot, shin guard, etc.) is an offence,

The goalkeeper has the same restrictions on handling the ball as any other player outside the penalty area inside their penalty area.

11.4. Indirect Free Kick

An indirect free kick is awarded if a player:

Plays in a dangerous manner,
Impedes the progress of an opponent without any contact being made,
Is guilty of dissent, using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures or other verbal offences,
Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from the hands or kicks or attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it,
Commits any other offence not mentioned in the Rules, for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player.

An indirect free kick is awarded if a goalkeeper, inside their penalty area, commits any of the following offences:

Controls the ball with the hands for more than six seconds before releasing it,
Touches the ball with the hands after receiving it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate or being passed to him by a teammate.
Releasing it and then picking it up from the ground before being touched by another player

A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball when:

The ball is between the hands or between the hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body) or by touching it with any part of the hands or arms except if the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save,
Holding the ball in the outstretched open hand,
Bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air.

An opponent cannot challenge a goalkeeper when in control of the ball with the hands.

11.5. Playing in a dangerous manner

Playing in a dangerous manner is any action that, while trying to play the ball, threatens injury to someone (including the player themself) and includes preventing a nearby opponent from playing the ball for fear of injury.

Scissors or bicycle kicks are not considered to be dangerous to an opponent.

11.6. Advantage

If the referee plays the advantage for an offence for which a caution/send-off would have been issued had play been stopped, this caution/send-off must be issued when the ball is next out of play, except when the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity results in a goal the player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour.

Advantage should not be applied in situations involving serious foul play, violent conduct or a second cautionable offence unless there is a clear opportunity to score a goal.

The referee must send off the player when the ball is out of play but if the player plays the ball or challenges/interferes with an opponent, the referee will stop play, send off the player and restart with an indirect free kick, unless the player committed a more serious offence.

If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding inside the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick.

11.7. Sliding Tackles

Sliding tackles are strictly forbidden unless there is no contact or any danger to the opponent player.

A sliding tackle followed by any contact with the opponent player: Direct free-kick and the corresponding disciplinary action.

A sliding tackle to play the ball without any contact represents no danger away from the opposing player and does not prevent him from playing the ball or continuing his race: No foul and no disciplinary action.

The goalkeeper’s attempts to deny the offensive teams in the penalty area are not considered a slide tackle unless the goalkeeper clearly “charges” the offensive player with his feet up-front. If the goalie charges a player outside the penalty area, the general rules for slide tackles and/or hand balls apply.

11.8. Yellow and Red Cards

The yellow card communicates a caution, and the red card communicates a sending-off.

Only a player, substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card.

If a player receives a yellow card for a foul or misconduct, the opposing team will be granted a direct free kick, an indirect free kick or a penalty. This player is allowed to continue in the game.

A player, substitute or substituted player who commits any of the following offences is cautioned with a yellow card:

Delaying the restart of play,
Dissent by word or action,
Entering, re-entering or deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission,
Failing to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in,
Persistent offences (no specific number or pattern of offences constitutes “persistent”),
Unsporting behaviour,

A player, substitute or substituted player who commits any of the following offences is sent off with a red card:

denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (except a goalkeeper within their penalty area),
serious foul play,
spitting at an opponent or any other person,
violent conduct,
using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures,
receiving a second caution in the same match.

If one player receives 5 yellow cards during the season, he is not allowed to start the upcoming game. Play-offs eliminate this rule.

If a player receives a second yellow card in one match, he will be immediately granted the red card and must leave the field of play. This player cannot play for the rest of the current match and one upcoming game.

If a player receives a direct red card, he cannot play for three upcoming matches.

11.9. Denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity

Where a player denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by a deliberate handball offence, the player is sent off wherever the offence occurs.

Where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender is cautioned if the offence was an attempt to play the ball; in all other circumstances (e.g. holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility to play the ball etc.) the offending player must be sent off.

A sent-off player, substitute or substituted player who enters the field of play without the required referee’s permission and interferes with play or an opponent and denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity is guilty of a sending-off offence.

The following must be considered:

Distance between the offence and the goal,
The general direction of the play,
Likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball,
Location and number of defenders.

11.10. Serious foul play

A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.

11.11. Violent conduct

Violent conduct is when a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, or against a team-mate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person, regardless of whether contact is made.

In addition, a player who, when not challenging for the ball, deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm, is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible.

11.12. Offences where an object (or the ball) is thrown

In all cases, the referee takes the appropriate disciplinary action:

reckless – caution the offender for unsporting behaviour
using excessive force – send off the offender for violent conduct

12. Free Kicks

12.1. Types of a Free Kick

Direct and indirect free kicks are awarded to the opposing team of a player guilty of an offence.

12.2. Ball Enters the Goal

A goal is awarded if a free kick is kicked directly into the opponent’s goal.

A goal kick is awarded if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponent’s goal.

If a direct or indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded.

12.3. Procedure

All free kicks are taken from the place where the offence was committed, except in the following cases:

Indirect free kicks awarded to the attacking team for an offence committed by the opposing goalkeeper inside his penalty area are taken from the nearest point on the penalty area line, which runs parallel to the goal line,
Free kicks to the defending team in their penalty area may be taken from anywhere in that area,
Free kicks for offences involving a player entering, re-entering or leaving the field of play without permission are taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped. However, if a player leaves the field of play as part of the play and commits an offence against another player, play is restarted with a free kick taken on the boundary line nearest to where the offence occurred; for direct free kick offences, a penalty kick is awarded if this is within the offender’s penalty area.

12.4. The Ball:

The ball must be stationary, and the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

It is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves, except for a free kick to the defending team in their penalty area, where the ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area.

Until the ball is in play, all opponents must remain:

at least 5 m from the ball, unless they are on their own goal line between the goalposts,
outside the penalty area for free kicks inside the opponent’s penalty area.

A free kick can be taken by simultaneously lifting the ball with a foot or both feet.

Feinting to take a free kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football.

If a player, while correctly taking a free kick, intentionally kicks the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but not in a careless or reckless manner or using excessive force, the referee allows play to continue.

12.5. Offences and Sanctions

If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance, the kick is retaken unless the advantage can be applied; but if a player takes a free kick quickly and an opponent who is less than 5m from the ball intercepts it, the referee allows play to continue. However, an opponent who deliberately prevents a free kick from being taken quickly must be cautioned for delaying the restart of play.

If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its penalty area, any opponents are inside the penalty area because they did not have time to leave, the referee allows play to continue. If an opponent who is in the penalty area when the free kick is taken or enters the penalty area before the ball is in play touches or challenges for the ball before it has touched another player, the free kick is retaken.

If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team inside its penalty area, the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area, the kick is retaken.

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded if the kicker deliberately handles the ball:

a direct free kick is awarded,
a penalty kick is awarded if the offence occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area unless the kicker was the goalkeeper, in which case an indirect free kick is awarded.

13. The Penalty Kicks

13.1. General Information

A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits a direct free-kick offence inside their penalty area.

A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.

13.2. Procedure

The ball must be stationary on the penalty mark.

The player taking the penalty kick must be clearly identified.

The defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked. The players other than the kicker and goalkeeper must be:

at least 5 m from the penalty mark,
behind the penalty mark,
inside the field of play,
outside the penalty area.

The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward; back heeling is permitted, provided the ball moves forward. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.

The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player.

The penalty kick is completed when the ball stops moving, goes out of play or the referee stops play for any offence.

When additional time is allowed, the penalty kick is completed when, after the kick has been taken, the ball stops moving, goes out of play, is played by any player (including the kicker) other than the defending goalkeeper or the referee stops play for an offence by the kicker or the kicker’s team. If a defending team player (including the goalkeeper) commits an offence and the penalty is missed/saved, the penalty is retaken.

13.3. Offences and Sanctions

Once the referee has signalled for a penalty kick to be taken, the kick must be taken. If, before the ball is in play, one of the following occurs:

The player taking the penalty kick or a team-mate offends:

if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken,
if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and restarts with an indirect free kick,

except for the following when play will be stopped and restarted with an indirect free kick, regardless of whether or not a goal is scored:

a penalty kick is kicked backwards,
a team-mate of the identified kicker takes the kick; the referee cautions the player who took the kick,
feinting to kick the ball once the kicker has completed the run-up (feinting in the run-up is permitted); the referee cautions the kicker,

the goalkeeper or a team-mate offends:

if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded
if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken; the goalkeeper is cautioned if responsible for the offence

a player of both teams offends the Laws of the Game, the kick is retaken unless a player commits a more serious offence (e.g. illegal feinting); if both the goalkeeper and kicker commit an offence at the same time:

if the kick is missed or saved, the kick is retaken, and both players are cautioned,
if the kick is scored, the goal is disallowed, the kicker is cautioned and the play restarts with an indirect free kick to the defending team.

If, after the penalty kick has been taken:

The kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player:
1. an indirect free kick (or direct free kick for deliberate handball) is awarded
The ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward:
1. the kick is retaken unless the ball is going into the goal and the interference does not prevent the goalkeeper or a defending player from playing the ball, in which case the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal (even if contact was made with the ball) unless the ball enters the opponents’ goal.

The ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts and is then touched by an outside agent:

the referee stops play,
play is restarted with a dropped ball at the position where it touched the outside agent.

13.4. Outcome of the Penalty Kick

	Goal	No Goal
Encroachment by attacking player	Penalty is retaken	Indirect free kick
Encroachment by defending player	Goal	Penalty is retaken
Offence by goalkeeper	Goal	Penalty is retaken and caution for the goalkeeper
Ball kicked backwards	Indirect free kick	Indirect free kick
Illegal feinting	Indirect free kick and caution for kicker	Indirect free kick and caution for kicker
Wrong kicker	Indirect free kick and caution for wrong kicker	Indirect free kick and caution for wrong kicker

14. The Throw-In

A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball passes over the touchline, on the ground or in the air.

A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in:

if the ball enters the opponent’s goal – a goal kick is awarded
if the ball enters the thrower’s goal – a corner kick is awarded

14.1. Procedure

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must:

face the field of play,
have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline,
throw the ball with both hands from behind and over the head from the point where it left the field of play.

All opponents must stand at least 2 m from where the throw-in is taken.

The ball is in play when it enters the field of play. If the ball touches the ground before entering the field of play, the opposing team retakes the throw-in from the same position. If the throw-in is not taken correctly, the opposing team retakes it.

If a player, while correctly taking a throw-in, intentionally throws the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referee allows play to continue.

The thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

14.2. Offences and Sanctions

If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball again before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded; if the thrower deliberately handles the ball:

a direct free kick is awarded
a penalty kick is awarded if the offence occurred inside the thrower’s penalty area unless the ball was handled by the defending team’s goalkeeper, in which case an indirect free kick is awarded

An opponent who unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower (including moving closer than 2 m to the place where the throw-in is to be taken) is cautioned for unsporting behaviour, and if the throw-in has been taken, an indirect free kick is awarded.

For any other offence, a player of the opposing team takes the throw-in.

15. The Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored.

15.1. Procedure

The ball must be stationary and is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team,
The ball is in play when touched by the defending player,
The ball does not have to leave the penalty area,
Opponents must be outside the penalty area or at least 5 meters from the ball until the ball is in play.

15.2. Offences and Sanctions

If the ball does not leave the penalty area or is touched by a player before it leaves the penalty area, the kick is retaken. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded; if the kicker deliberately handles the ball:

a direct free kick is awarded,
a penalty kick is awarded if the offence occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area unless the kicker was the goalkeeper, in which case an indirect free kick is awarded

If an opponent who is in the penalty area when the goal kick is taken or enters the penalty area before the ball is in play touches or challenges for the ball before it has touched another player, the goal kick is retaken.

If a player enters the penalty area before the ball is in play and fouls or is fouled by an opponent, the goal kick is retaken, and the offender may be cautioned or sent off, depending on the offence.

For any other offence, the kick is retaken.

16. The Corner

A corner kick is awarded when the whole ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a defending team player, and a goal is not scored.

A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team; if the ball directly enters the kicker’s goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents.

16.1. Procedure

The ball must be placed in the corner area nearest to the point where the ball passed over the goal line,
The ball must be stationary and is kicked by a player of the attacking team,
The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves; it does not need to leave the corner area,
The corner flag post can be removed,
Opponents must remain at least 5 m from the corner arc until the ball is in play.

16.2. Offences and Sanctions

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded; if the kicker deliberately handles the ball:

a direct free kick is awarded,
a penalty kick is awarded if the offence occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area unless the kicker was the goalkeeper in which case an indirect free kick is awarded.

If a player, while correctly taking a corner kick, intentionally kicks the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but not in a careless or reckless manner or using excessive force, the referee allows play to continue.

For any other offence the kick is retaken.

Documents

Downloads

CML Rules and Regulations

1. The Field

1.1. Field Surface

1.2. Field Markings

1.3. The Penalty Area

2. The Ball

2.1. Dimensions

2.2. Replacement of a defective ball

2.3. Additional balls

3. Players

3.1. Number of Players

3.2. Substitution

3.3. Goalkeeper Swap (Swapping)

3.4. Changing the Goalkeeper

3.5. Offences and Sanctions

3.6. Extra persons on the field of play

3.7. The player outside the field of play

3.8. The goal was scored with an extra person on the field of play

3.9. Team Captain

4. Equipment

4.1. Safety

4.2. Jerseys and Equipment

4.3. Colours

4.4. Slogans, Statements, Images and Advertising

4.5. Offences and Sanctions

5. The Referee

5.1. Decisions of the Referee

5.2. Powers and Duties

5.3. Injuries

5.4. Outside Interference

6. The Duration of the Match

6.1. Game Times

6.2. Extra Time

7. Start and Restart the Game

7.1. Kick-Off

7.2. Dropped Ball

8. The Ball IN and OUT of Play

8.1. Ball out of Play

8.2. Ball in play

8.3. Covered stadium

9. The outcome of the Match

9.1. Goal Scored

9.2. Standings and Tiebreaker

9.3. Goals Scored as an Away Team

9.4. Extra Time

10. Gameplay

10.1. Throw-ins

10.2. Goal Kicks

10.3. Corners

10.4. Penalty Kicks

10.5. Free Kicks

11. Fouls and Misconducts

11.1. General Information

11.2. Direct Free Kick

11.3. Handballs

11.4. Indirect Free Kick

11.5. Playing in a dangerous manner

11.6. Advantage

11.7. Sliding Tackles

11.8. Yellow and Red Cards

11.9. Denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity

11.10. Serious foul play

11.11. Violent conduct

11.12. Offences where an object (or the ball) is thrown

12. Free Kicks

12.1. Types of a Free Kick

12.2. Ball Enters the Goal

12.3. Procedure

12.4. The Ball:

12.5. Offences and Sanctions

13. The Penalty Kicks

13.1. General Information

13.2. Procedure

13.3. Offences and Sanctions

Once the referee has signalled for a penalty kick to be taken, the kick must be taken. If, before the ball is in play, one of the following occurs:

If, after the penalty kick has been taken:

13.4. Outcome of the Penalty Kick