Modifications
Subject to the agreement of the member association concerned and provided the principles of these Laws are maintained, the Laws may be modified in their application for matches for players of under 16 years of age, for women footballers, for veteran footballers (over 35 years of age) and for players with disabilities.
Any or all of the following modifications are permissible:
size of the field of play
- size, weight and material of the ball
- width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground
- duration of the periods of play
- substitutions
Further modifications are only allowed with the consent of the International Football Association Board.
Male and Female
References to the male gender in the Laws of the Game in respect of referees, assistant referees, players and officials are for simplification and apply to both men and women.
Official languages
On behalf of the International Football Association Board, FIFA publishes the Laws of the Game in English, French, German and Spanish. If there is any divergence in the wording, the English text is authoritative.
Authorised by the International Football Association Board
This booklet may not be reproduced or translated in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of FIFA.
Published by FIFA
Federation Internationale de Football Association
FIFA-Strasse 20, P.O. Box 8044 Zurich, Switzerland
