Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct Explained
Law 12 is one of the most detailed laws, covering direct and indirect free kick offences, handball, the criteria for cautionable and sending-off offences, DOGSO, SPA, and the procedures for dealing with misconduct.
Key Points
- 1Ten direct free kick offences include: kicking, tripping, jumping at, charging, striking, pushing, tackling, holding, and spitting.
- 2A handball offence requires the arm to be in an unnatural position and the player to make their body unnaturally bigger.
- 3Yellow cards: cautionable offences include unsporting behaviour, dissent, persistent infringement, and delaying restart.
- 4Red cards: sending-off offences include serious foul play, violent conduct, DOGSO, and a second caution.
- 5DOGSO inside the penalty area with a genuine attempt to play the ball results in a yellow card, not a red.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a direct and indirect free kick?
A direct free kick is awarded for the ten main physical offences (kicking, pushing, handball, etc.) and a goal can be scored directly. An indirect free kick is awarded for less serious offences (dangerous play, obstruction, goalkeeper handling violations) and requires another player to touch the ball before a goal can be scored.
What is the handball law in football?
Not every contact between the ball and arm/hand is an offence. Handball is an offence when: the arm is in an unnatural position that makes the player unnaturally bigger; the ball hits the arm from a deliberate action; or the player deliberately touches the ball. Accidental handball by a defender that results in a goal does not need to be penalised if the arm is in a natural position.
What are the cautionable offences under Law 12?
A player is cautioned (yellow card) for: unsporting behaviour, dissent by word or action, persistent infringement of the Laws, delaying restart, failing to respect the required distance at free kicks or corners, entering or leaving the pitch without permission, and deliberately leaving the field to celebrate.
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