Men's Rules                                             >  Women's Rules

 

FIELD OF PLAY

 

1. The field of play shall be rectangular, and its dimensions shall be as follows: Length - 130m minimum and 145m maximum. Width - 80m minimum and 90m maximum.

 

2. At distances of 13m, 20m, and 45m from each endline, lines shall be marked across the field parallel to the endline. The intersections of these lines and of the endlines with the sidelines shall be marked by flags. The midline of the field shall be marked parallel to the endlines, and shall have a minimum length of 10m. Boundary lines are part of the field of play.

 

3. All lines on the field of play will be 90 mm + 13mm wide. All lines shall be marked in white with a suitable marking material.

 

4. The SCORING SPACE shall be at the centre of each endline. Each shall be formed by two goalposts, circular in cross section, which shall have a height of not less than 7m above ground level, and be 6.5m apart. The inside edge of the endline shall be at a tangent to the front edge of the base of the goalposts.

 

5. A CROSSBAR shall be fixed to the goalposts at a uniform height of 2.5m above the ground. The crossbar shall have a rectangular or circular cross section. When rectangular, it shall have a depth of 140mm + 10mm and a width not less than 50mm. When circular, it shall have a uniform diameter of 125mm + 5mm.

 

6. GOALNETS shall be securely fixed to the back of the crossbar and the back of each goalpost. The roof of the net shall be supported for a horizontal distance of not less than 900mm, at crossbar height, by a metal net support fixed to the back of the goalposts. The mesh of the net shall have a diagonal length not exceeding 150mm.

 

7. TWO RECTANGLES of the following dimensions shall be formed in front of each scoring space.

 

   (a) One rectangle, 14m by 4.5m, shall be formed by two lines 4.5m long and at right angles to the endline being marked 3.75m from the inside of each goalpost, and the ends of these lines being joined.

 

   (b) A second rectangle, 19m by 13m, shall be formed by two lines 13m long at right angles to the endline being marked 6.25m from the inside of each goalpost, and the ends of these lines being joined.

 

   (c) The endline, including the goal-line, is part of each rectangle, the other three lines enclose the area of that rectangle.

 

8. A semi-circular arc of 13m radius, centred on the mid-point of the 20m line, shall be marked outside of each 20m line.

 

9. An area of the sideline, extending 5m. on either side of the centre line, shall be marked as the Substitution Zone, and all the players coming off/going on to the field of play in acts of substitution/temporary substitution shall go through this point, when given permission by the Referee.

 

10. All flags used on boundary lines shall have smooth rounded tops.

 

TEAMS

 

1. Teams shall consist of 15 players a side unless deemed otherwise by the organizing body.

 

2. A team may commence a game with thirteen players but shall have fielded fifteen players, inclusive of players ordered off or retired injured, by the start of the second half. In the event of failure to comply with this, the game shall continue.

 

3. Players arriving late may join in the game during a break in play but must report to the referee before so doing.

 

4. A maximum of five substitutions shall be allowed. A substitution is not allowed in the case of a player ordered off. For extra time, a further three substitutions shall be allowed. A player ordered off, in any circumstance, during the drawn game, may not play in extra time but may be replaced.

 

5. A substitution may only be made during a break in play, after the player has given a substitution note to the Referee,

 

6. Before all official games, the referee shall be given a list of players, in duplicate, giving full Christian names. The first fifteen names appearing on a list shall be taken as constituting the actual team, unless otherwise clearly indicated.

 

TIME

1. The playing time shall consist of two periods of thirty minutes each, but time shall be added on in each period for incidental or deliberate delays.

 

2. An interval, not exceeding ten minutes, shall be allowed at half-time, following which the teams shall change ends.

 

EQUIPMENT

 

1. The football shall not weigh less than 450g. and not more than 485g. and have a circumference of not less than 68cm. and not more than 70cm. A size 5 football shall be used.

 

COMMENCING PLAY

 

1. The referee shall toss a coin for choice of ends in the presence of the team captains. This procedure shall be repeated for extra time, where played.

 

2. Two players from each team shall stand one behind the other on their own defensive side of the halfway line, and shall face the referee, for the throw in. The other players, shall be in their respective positions behind the 45m line.

 

3. The referee, facing the players, shall throw in the ball over the heads of the players.

 

INJURIES

 

1. Play shall not be stopped for injury to a player, except in exceptional circumstances to enable a seriously injured player to be treated on the field or removed from the field of play. All other Injuries shall be treated off the field of play.

 

2. A player who is bleeding or who has blood on any part of his body, playing attire or playing equipment, as a result of an injury sustained during play, shall on the instruction of the Referee, immediately leave the field of play to receive medical and/or other attention. He shall not be allowed to return to the field of play until the bleeding has stopped, all blood has been cleaned off and, where possible, the injured area has been covered, any blood-stained playing attire has been replaced and any blood-stained equipment has been fully cleaned. In that circumstance, a Temporary Substitute may be used, and the following acts shall not count as substitutions:

(1) The use of the Temporary Substitute for a player instructed to leave the field under the Rule.

(2) The return to the field of play of the injured (blood) player as a direct replacement for the Temporary Substitute.

(3) The return to the field of play of the injured (blood) player as a replacement for any other player if the Temporary Substitute has previously been sent off or substituted.

 

BALL IN PLAY

 

1. The ball is in play once it has been thrown in or kicked after the referee has given the signal to start play.

 

2. The ball is in play until the whole ball has passed over the goal line, end line or side line, or the referee signals a stoppage in play.

 

3. When the ball is on the ground, it may be played by any part of the body except the hand(s). It may be lifted off the ground with the feet. Exceptions:

(a) The goalkeeper may play the ball on the ground with his hand(s) inside his own small rectangle.

(b) Any player who falls or is knocked to the ground while in possession of the ball may fist or palm the ball away on the ground, and may score by so doing.

(c) The ball may not be lifted off the ground with the knees.

 

4. When the ball is not on the ground, it may be played by any part of the body.

 

5. When a player is in possession of the ball, it may be:

(a) carried for a maximum of four consecutive steps or held in the hand(s) for no longer than the time needed to take four steps;

(b) played from the foot to the hand(s) (soloed);

(c) bounced once, and once after each solo;

(d) changed from one hand to the other once, with the original holding hand maintaining contact until the change is completed;

(e) struck with the open hand(s) or fist, provided there is a definite striking action;

(f) tossed for a kick, a toe-tap or a pass with the hand(s).

 

6. The ball may be knocked from an opponent’s hand(s) by flicking it with the open hand.

 

7. When the ball has not been caught, it may be bounced more than once in succession.

 

8. Player(s) may tackle an opponent for the ball.

 

9. Provided he has at least one foot on the ground, a player may make a side-to-side charge on an opponent:

(a) who is in possession of the ball;

(b) who is playing the ball;

(c) when both players are moving in the direction of the ball to play it.

 

10. When he is within the small rectangle, the goalkeeper may not be charged but he may be challenged for possession of the ball, and his kick or pass may be blocked. Incidental contact with the goalkeeper while playing the ball is permitted.

 

11. A goalkeeper may move along his goal-line when a penalty kick is being taken.

 

12. For a run-up to a free kick, side-line kick or kick-out, a player may go outside a boundary line, otherwise players shall remain within the field of play.

 

13. A player may hold up his hands to intercept a free kick.

 

SET PLAY

 

1. The Referee, facing the players, starts the game and restarts it after half-time, by throwing in the ball between two players from each team, who shall stand one behind the other in their own defensive sides of the halfway line. All other players shall be in their respective positions behind the 45m lines.

 

2. After a foul, play is restarted by a free kick or a throw-in where the foul(s) occurred. Exceptions:

(a) In the case of fouls by a defending player within the rectangles, the following shall apply: A penalty kick shall be awarded for an Aggressive Foul within the large rectangle or any foul within the small rectangle. The penalty kick shall be taken from the ground at the centre point of the 13m line. A free kick from the centre of the 13m line shall be awarded for a Technical Foul by a defending player within the large rectangle but outside the small rectangle.

(b) A free kick awarded for a foul by a defending player inside his own 13m line but outside the large rectangle shall be taken from the 13m line opposite where the foul occurred.

(c) When a player is fouled immediately after he plays the ball away and a score results, it shall stand. Otherwise, the referee shall award a free kick from where the foul occurred or, if more advantageous, from where the ball lands or crosses the sideline. With the option of a free being awarded from where the foul occurred being retained, the rule shall apply in the following circumstances as outlined:

    (a) If the ball lands over the end-line, the free kick shall be given on the 13m line opposite the place where the ball crossed the end-line;

   (b) if the ball lands inside the opponents’ 13m line, a free kick shall be given from the 13m opposite the place where the ball crossed this line.

(d) When play is restarted by throwing in the ball after a foul(s) between the end-line and the 20m line, the throw-in shall be given on the 20m line opposite where the foul(s) occurred. All players except the player taking the free kick shall be at least 13m from where the free kick is awarded, or, all players except those two contesting the throw-in shall be at least 13m from where the throw-in is awarded.

 

3. A penalty kick shall be taken from the ground at the centre point of the 13m line, and only the defending goalkeeper may stand on the goal-line. All other players, with the exception of the player taking the kick, shall be outside the 20m line and the arc, be at least 13m from the ball, and shall not cross the 20m line or the arc until the ball has been kicked. The goalkeeper may move along his line, but may not advance from the goal-line until the ball has been kicked. If a defending player fouls before the ball is kicked and a goal does not result, the referee shall allow the penalty kick to be retaken.

 

4. When opposing players foul simultaneously, play is restarted by throwing in the ball.

 

5. A free-kick, other than a penalty-kick, may be taken from the hands or from the ground. A player having indicated his option to the referee shall not be permitted to change his decision. The ball shall be stationary when a free kick is taken from the ground.

 

6. With the Referee’s consent, a free kick may be taken immediately.

Exception: A penalty kick and a free kick awarded to a team from their opponents’ 13m line.

 

7. When the ball is played over the end-line by the team attacking that end, play is restarted by a kick-out off the ground from within the small rectangle. The player taking a kick-out may kick the ball more than once before any other player touches it but may not take the ball into his hand(s). If the goalkeeper is not taking the kick-out, he shall stay in the small rectangle, and all other players except the player taking the kick-out shall be outside the 20m line until the ball has been kicked. The ball shall travel 13m before being played by another player of the defending team.

 

8. After a score, the kick-out shall be taken from the ground on the 20m line in front of the scoring space. All players, except the goalkeeper and the player taking the kick-out (if other than the goalkeeper), shall be outside the 20m line. All other players shall be 13m from the ball until it has been kicked.

 

9. When the ball is played over the end-line and outside the goalposts by the team defending that end, a free kick off the ground shall be awarded to the opposing team on the 45m line opposite where the ball crossed the end-line.

 

10. When a team plays the ball over the side-line, a free kick from the hand(s) shall be awarded to the opposing team from the place where the ball crossed the side-line. If opposing players play the ball simultaneously over the side-line, or if the officials are not sure which team played the ball last, the linesman shall throw in the ball between one player from each team. A ball that strikes a side-line or corner flag shall be treated as having crossed the side-line. All players except the player taking the side-line kick, or the two players contesting the throw-in, shall be at least 13m from the ball until it has been kicked or thrown in. 11. If the ball touches any non-player during play, play is restarted by throwing in the ball at the place concerned, but if the ball touches any non-player from a free kick, the free kick shall be retaken. If the ball has been prevented from going over a boundary line by a non-player other than the referee, it shall be treated as having crossed the line, and the referee shall make the appropriate award.

 

SCORES

 

1. A goal is scored when the ball is played over the goal-line between the posts and under the crossbar by either team. A point is scored when the ball is played over the crossbar between the posts by either team. A goal is equivalent to three points. The team with the greater final total of points is the winner.

Exceptions A player on the team attacking a goal and who is in possession of the ball may not score:

(a) by carrying the ball over his opponents’ goal-line;

(b) a goal with his hands except if knocked to the ground while in possession of the ball;

(c) a point with his open hand(s), but may score a point by fisting the ball.

 

2. A score may be made by striking the ball in flight with the hand(s).

 

3. A score shall be allowed if, in the opinion of the referee, the ball was prevented from crossing the goal-line by anyone other than a player or the referee.

 

4. If part of the goal-posts or crossbar is displaced during play, the referee shall award the score which he considers would have resulted had a part not been displaced.

 

5. If a defending player plays the ball through his own scoring space in any manner, this shall count as a score.

 

TECHNICAL FOULS

 

1. The following fouls shall be penalized with a free, taken from where the foul occurred:

 

(a) To overcarry or overhold the ball.

(b) To throw the ball or handpass without a definite striking motion.

(c) To lift the ball off the ground with the knees.

(d) To lie on the ball.

(e) To touch the ball on the ground with the hand(s), except as provided in BALL IN PLAY - Rule 3 above.

(f) To bounce the ball more than once consecutively after catching it.

(g) To play the ball up with the hand(s) and catch it again before it touches the ground, another player, or goal-posts.

(h) To wrest the ball from an opponent who has caught the ball.

(i) For an attacking player to enter opponents’ small rectangle before the ball enters it during play.

Exceptions

If an attacking player legally enters the small rectangle, and the ball is played from that area but is returned before the attacking player has time to leave the area, provided he does not play the ball or interfere with the defence, a foul is not committed.

 

When a point is scored from outside the small rectangle and the ball is sufficiently high to be out of reach of all players, the score shall be allowed even though an attacking player may have been within the small rectangle before the ball - provided that the player in question does not interfere with the defence.

(j) To change the ball from one hand to the other, without the original holding hand maintaining contact until the change is completed. Or to change the ball from one hand to the other more than once, unless the ball is bounced or soloed between the changes.

(k) For a player on the team awarded a free kick or a side-line kick to be less than 13m from the ball before it is kicked.

(l) For a player on the team awarded a penalty kick to be inside the 20m line or the arc before the ball is kicked.

(m) For a player attacking a goal to carry the ball over opponents’ goal-line.

(n) For a player attacking a goal who is in possession of the ball to score a goal with his hand(s) or a point with his open hand(s), except if knocked to the ground while in possession of the ball.

 

2. To be inside opponents’ 20m line before the kick-out is taken after a wide.

PENALTY - Free kick from defenders’ 20m line opposite where the foul occurred.

 

3. When within own small rectangle to be less than 13m from the ball for opponents’ free kick.

PENALTY - Penalty kick.

 

4. For a player on the team defending a penalty kick, with the exception of the goalkeeper, to be inside the 20m line or the arc before the kick is taken. For the goalkeeper defending a penalty kick to move nearer than 13m before the kick is taken.

PENALTY - If a goal is not scored, the referee shall allow the penalty kick to be retaken.

 

5. For an opposing player to be nearer than 13m to the ball before a free kick or a side-line kick is taken.

PENALTY - Free kick 13m more advantageous than place of original kick - up to opponents’ 13m line.

 

6. To delay an opponent taking a free kick or side-line kick by hitting or kicking the ball away, not releasing the ball to the opposition, or deliberately not moving back to allow a quick free kick to be taken.

 

7. To interfere with a player taking a free kick or side-line kick by jumping up and down, waving hands, or any other physical or verbal interference considered by the referee to be aimed at distracting the player taking the kick. Exception A player holding his hands upright shall not constitute an interference.

PENALTY - FOR THE ABOVE FOULS - Free kick 13m more advantageous than the place of original kick - up to opponents’ 13m line.

 

8. For an opposing player to be less than 13m from the ball before a kick-out after a score.

PENALTY - Free kick 13m more advantageous than place of original kickout.

 

9. The following fouls shall be penalized by cancelling the free kick and throwing in the ball from where the foul occurred:

(a) To reset the ball for a kick-out/free kick/penalty from the ground, without the referee’s permission, after the whistle has been blown for the kick-out/ free kick/penalty, to be taken from the ground.

(b) To play the ball again after taking a free kick / penalty / sideline kick before another player has touched it, unless the ball rebounds off the goal-posts/crossbar.

(c) To make a divot for the purpose of teeing up the ball for a free kick or kick-out.

(d) To advance the ball deliberately from the place at which a free kick or side-line kick is to be taken.

(e) To waste time by delaying the taking of a free kick or side-line kick awarded to own team.

 

10. The following fouls are penalized by cancelling the kickout and throwing in the ball from the defenders' 20m line in front of the scoring space:

(a) For a player taking the kick-out to take the ball into his hand(s) before another player has played it.

(b) To be inside own 20m line when one’s team is taking a kickout, except as stated in SET PLAY - Rule 7 above.

(c) For another player on the team taking the kickout after a wide to play the ball before it has travelled 13m.

(d) For a player on the team taking the kick-out after a score, other than the player taking the kick, to be less than 13m from the ball when it is kicked.

(e) To waste time by delaying own kick-out.

(f) To take the kick-out after a wide from outside the small rectangle. (f) To take the kick-out after a score from outside the 20m line.

 

11. For a player(s) from each team to foul simultaneously.

PENALTY - Throw in the ball where the fouls occurred.

 

12. To go outside the boundary lines to gain an advantage except for a runup for a free kick, kick out, or sideline kick.

 

13. To interfere with goal-posts to distract opponents or to gain an advantage.

PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE FOULS - Caution offender; order off for second cautionable foul.

 

14. When a team commits a technical foul, the referee may allow the play to continue if he considers it to be the advantage of the opposing team. Once he allows play to continue, he may not subsequently award a free for that foul. He shall apply any relevant disciplinary action.

 

AGGRESSIVE FOULS

 

1. The following fouls shall be penalised by a free being given to the opposing team and the offending player being shown a red card and ordered off the field.

(a) Striking or attempting to strike an opponent with hand, arm, elbow, head or knee.

(b) Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.

(c) Stamping on an opponent

(d) Striking or attempting to strike or interfering with a match official.

(e) Behaving in any manner which is dangerous to an opponent.

 

2. The following fouls shall be penalised by a free being given to the opposing team and the offender being cautioned and shown a yellow card. If he repeats any cautionable offence, he shall be shown a second yellow card, followed by a red card and ordered off the field. He is suspended for the duration of the game and any extra time that may be played.

(a) Pulling down, tripping by hand or by foot or jumping at an opponent.

(b) Threatening or using abusive language or provocative gestures towards an opponent.

(c) Blocking or attempting to block an opponent with the boot when a player is about to kick the ball from her hands.

(d) Engaging in any other form of rough play.

(e) Attempting to gain an advantage by feigning an injury.

 

3. The following fouls shall be penalised by a free being awarded to the opposing team:

(a) Pushing or holding an opponent.

(b) Bringing the hand or fist in contact with the body of an opponent for the purpose of dispossessing her of the ball.

(c) Charging an opponent in the back.

(d) Charging an opponent unless he is in possession of the ball, is playing the ball, or both players are moving in the direction of the ball to play it.

(e) Charging an opponent in order to give an advantage to a teammate.

(f) Charging the goalkeeper in his small rectangle.

(g) For a player in possession of the ball to charge an opponent.

 

4. For a player to retaliate between the award of a free kick to his team and the free kick being taken.

PENALTY - (i) Cancel free kick. (ii) Throw in the ball where the original foul occurred

 

5. For a player(s) from each team to foul simultaneously.

PENALTY - (i) Throw in the ball where the fouls occurred

 

6. When an Aggressive Foul is drawn to the referee’s attention by an umpire or linesman, the referee may apply the appropriate penalty.

 

7. When a team commits an aggressive foul, the referee may allow play to continue if he considers it to be to the advantage of the offended team. Once he allows play to continue, he may not subsequently award a free for that foul. He shall apply the relevant penalty.

 

REFEREE

 

1. The Referee’s decision on any question of fact and in regard to time shall be final.

 

2. The referee shall have the following powers:

(a) To appoint a replacement referee, if he is unable to act or unable to contact the Secretary of the Committee in Charge.

(b) To declare the ground or other conditions unsuitable for play after consulting, where feasible, with the Officials in Charge of the fixture.

(c) To consult with the umpires and/or linesmen concerning infringements of the Playing Rules, in particular rough or dangerous play, striking, hitting or kicking. The referee may apply the appropriate rule following such consultations.

(d) To order a player with an injury involving bleeding to leave the field of play for medical and/or other attention

(e) To over-rule a decision of a linesman or umpire(s).

(f) To award a score when the ball has been prevented from going over the goal-line or crossbar by anyone other than a player or the referee.

(g) To terminate a game because of outside interference, or any other serious reason that merits such action.

(h) To terminate a game, having first given a three minute warning to the captain or official in charge of the team or the players involved, in any of the following circumstances: - (1) A player refusing to leave the field when ordered off, or having been ordered off, rejoins the game; (2) A team or player(s) leaving the field either without the referee’s permission, or refusing to continue playing.

 

3. The duties of the referee are:

(a) To control the game in accordance with the Playing Rules.

(b) To receive lists of players, sign them in Irish, and give a copy to the opposing team before the game.

(c) To ensure that all players are correctly and safely attired, and that all playing equipment conforms with the rules.

(d) To keep a record of scores, the names of players injured, replaced, substitutes taking part, temporary substitutes, any instance of late fielding or of exceeding the half-time interval, and the intrusion of unauthorised persons onto the field of play.

(e) To record playing time, and to extend time in each half for deliberate or incidental delay or to allow for a free - awarded before time had expired - to be taken. Should the defending team commit a further foul before the referee whistles for full-time, he shall further extend the time to permit an additional free to be taken, from which a score can be made, provided no other player of the side taking the free touches the ball.

(f) To obtain the signature, full address, and club of any player participating in the game, if requested by a captain or responsible team official.

(g) To caution a player who commits a cautionable foul/offence, by taking his name and showing him a yellow card, which caution shall carry over into extratime, where played. To order off a player who commits a second cautionable foul/offence, by showing him a second yellow card, followed by showing him a red card. To order off a player who commits an ordering off foul/offence by taking his name (if not already taken) and showing him a red card.

(h) To report any irregularities in respect of dimensions, markings or unsatisfactory condition of the field of play, and to report any official protest made by a team captain before the game in relation to irregularities in dimensions or markings of the field of play.

(i) To indicate the place from which all free kicks shall be taken.

 

UMPIRES

 

1. There shall be two goal umpires at each end of the field of play. An umpire shall stand behind each goalpost and behind the endline. The umpires shall remain at the same end for the duration of the game.

 

2. The umpires shall signal their decisions as follows:

(a) A 45m free in Football by raising an arm upright, and then pointing directly infield, at the place where the ball passed over the endline.

(b) A wide by crossing both arms above the head.

(c) A score by raising a green flag for a goal or a white flag for a point, in front of the scoring space.

(d) A decision to disallow a score by crossing the flags at the centre of the scoring space.

 

3. The umpires shall bring to the notice of the referee, during a break in play, any instances of foul play in particular, rough or dangerous play, striking, hitting, or kicking, or unauthorised incursions onto the field of play, which have not been noticed by the Referee.

 

LINESMEN

 

1. There shall be one linesman on each sideline. Linesmen shall change sides at half-time. However, failure to do so will not affect the result of the game.

 

2. The Linesmen shall indicate by flag signal:

(a) when and where a ball crosses the sideline.

(b) which side is entitled to the sideline kick.

(c) where the kick is to be taken from.

 

3. Where a ball is played across a sideline by opposing players simultaneously, or when the linesman is unsure which team played the ball over the sideline, the Linesman, facing the players, shall throw in the ball.