Law Amendments 2003/2004
pdf version of the amendments (144kb)
INFORMATION ON THE
AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME
AND INSTRUCTIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL F.A. BOARD 2003/2004
For the attention of players, referees,
coaches, officials
and all interested in Association Football
Attention is drawn to the following:-
- At its annual meeting this year, the International Football
Association Board made a small number of amendments to the Laws of the
Game and the decisions thereon. However, all concerned with the game are
urged to ensure that they do obtain a copy of the revised "Laws of
Association Football and Guide for Players and Referees, 2003/2004",
containing full details.
In accordance with earlier practice, the contacts of the relevant F1FA Circular (No 847, issued 12 May 2003), with the amendments, are printed in this Information Booklet.
All amendments and decisions must be enforced from I July 2003. - Players are reminded again that they should ensure that they do
not wear anything which is dangerous to themselves or other players
(including any kind of jewellery).
Players and referees are reminded that racist remarks constitute a dismissal offence in accord with Law 12 (the use of offensive, insulting or abusive language) and must be punished accordingly.
- Players, managers, coaches, referees and administrators all have a
responsibility to ensure that the image of the national game is not
tarnished either by the use, or the acceptance, of offensive language
likely to incite, insult or provoke others.
- Finally, a reminder is given that it is a decision of the Council of
The Football Association that instructions regarding the Laws of the
Game will be given only by The Football Association. No other
Association or League is permitted to do so.
May 2003
Nic Coward
Joint Acting Chief Executive
To the national associations of FIFA
Circular no.847
Zurich, 12 May 2003
GS/hus/mjo
Amendments to the 2003 Laws at the Game
Dear Sir or Madam,
The 117th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board took place In Belfast, Northern Ireland on 15th March 2003. The amendments to the Laws of the Game made at the meeting and the various Instructions and directives are listed below.
AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME AND DECISIONS OF THE BOARD
LAW 4 - THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
Decision of International F.A. Board
Decision I
- Players must not reveal undershirts which contain slogans or advertising.
A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organiser.
- jerseys must have sleeves.
The Board agreed to remove the bullet point which permitted advertising only on players’ Jerseys.
The Fourth Official
New Text
Bullet point 1
The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue. He assists the referee at all times.
Bullet point 7
He must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution or when violent conduct occurs out of the view of the referee and assistant referees. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play.
Reason:
By stating in bullet point 7 that "the fourth official assists the referee
at all times," there is an inference that this could be in respect of
matters of misconduct, the topic of the remainder of the paragraph. It is
not expected or desired that the fourth official should be extending his
role to include reporting cautionable offences and therefore for reasons
of clarity and interpretation it is more appropriate to have the phrase in
bullet point 1.
Procedures to determine the winner of a match – Kicks from the Penalty Mark
New Text
The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or the second kick.
Reason:
To give the team who wins the toss a fair choice and not to insist that
they take the first kick, which can be perceived as an advantage to the
team which loses the toss.
Additional Instructions for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials
New Text
The Penalty Kick
It is an infringement to enter the penalty area before the kick has been taken. The goalkeeper also infringes the Laws if he moves from his goal-line before the ball has been kicked. Referees must ensure that when players infringe this Law appropriate action is taken.
Reason:
Law 14 was amended in 1997, taking away the necessity for referees to
caution when player(s) entered the penalty area prior to a penalty kick
being taken. The amendment also allowed the goalkeeper to move along his
goal line. Nowadays, infringements often occur at a penalty kick, yet the
referee seldom takes action.
INFORMATION, INSTRUCTIONS AND DIRECTIVES
Rules of the International Football Association Board
The Board shall meet bi-annually. The Annual General Meeting shall take place in the month of February or March, as agreed. The Annual Business Meeting shall take place in the month of September or October, as agreed.
TEMPORARY EXPULSIONS
The Board re-affirmed the decision taken at its last meeting that the temporary expulsion of players is not permitted at any level of football.
ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
The Board recognised the advances in artificial surface technology and the major benefits of using artificial surfaces in areas with climatic problems. It also recognised that artificial surfaces allowed multiple and extended use of facilities in urban environments. The Board mandated FIFA to create clear procedures for the use of artificial surfaces, to unify the quality system and apply it worldwide, taking into consideration the best resources and knowledge available.
The amendments to the Laws of the Game take effect as from 1st July 2003 and instructions and directives are introduced with immediate effect.
Yours faithfully,
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE
DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Jérôme Champagne
Deputy General Secretary
cc: FIGFA Executive Committee
FIFA Referees' Committee
FIFA Referees and Assistant Referees
FIFA Referee instructors
Confederations