Law 2: The Ball Explained
Law 2 specifies the required characteristics of the match ball, including its shape, material, circumference, weight, and pressure. It also covers what happens when the ball becomes defective during a match.
Key Points
- 1The ball must be spherical and made of leather or other suitable material.
- 2Circumference: 68–70cm. Weight: 410–450g at the start of the match.
- 3Pressure: 0.6–1.1 atmospheres (600–1,100 g/cm²).
- 4At senior professional level, the ball must bear the FIFA Quality mark.
- 5If the ball bursts during play, the match is stopped and restarted with a dropped ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size ball is used in professional football?
Professional football uses a Size 5 ball with a circumference of 68–70cm and a weight of 410–450g at the start of the match. Youth football may use smaller balls (Size 3 or 4) depending on the competition rules.
What happens if the ball bursts during a match?
If the ball becomes defective during play, the referee stops the match and restarts with a dropped ball where the original ball was when it became defective, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the dropped ball takes place on the goal area line.
Can a goalkeeper change the ball during a match?
A match ball can only be changed during the match with the referee's approval. Players cannot change the ball without permission.
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