Procedures to Determine the Winner of a Match

The Golden Goal

Procedure

• During the period of extra time played at the end of normal playing time, the team which scores the first goal is declared the winner.
• If no goals are scored the match is decided by kicks from the penalty mark.

Kicks from the Penalty Mark

Procedure

• The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken

• The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss takes the first kick

• The referee keeps a record of the kicks being taken

• Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams take five kicks

• The kicks are taken alternately by the teams

• If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were to complete its five kicks, no more kicks are taken

• If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same order until one team has scored a goal more than the other from the same number of kicks

• A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are being taken from the penalty mark and is unable to continue as goalkeeper may be replaced by a named substitute provided his team has not used the maximum number of substitutes permitted under the competition rules

• With the exception of the foregoing case, only players who are on the field of play at the end of the match, which includes extra time where appropriate, are allowed to take kicks from the penalty mark

• Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a second kick

• An eligible player may change places with the goalkeeper at any time when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken

• Only the eligible players and match officials are permitted to remain on the field of play when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken

• All players, except the player taking the kick and the two goalkeepers, must remain within the centre circle

• The goalkeeper who is the team-mate of the kicker must remain on the field of play, outside the penalty area in which the kicks are being taken, on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line.

• Unless otherwise stated, the relevant Laws of the Game and International F.A. Board Decisions apply when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken.

• When a team finishes the match with a greater number of players than their opponents, they shall reduce their numbers to equate with that of their opponents and inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded. The team captain has this responsibility.

• Before the start of kicks from the penalty mark the referee shall ensure theat only an equal number of players from each team remain within the centre circle and they shall take the kicks.

Laws of the Game

The OFFICIAL SOCCER SITE

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