Here is a run down of the most commonly-ignored laws of the game. In some cases the laws are sensible but overlooked. In other cases, the laws are ludicrous and in desparate need of a re-write. Brief explanations where applicable.

Law 4.1 - A player must not wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player - including any kind of jewellery.

Law 4.2 - If a player wears undershorts, they must be the same colour as his shorts.

Law 4.4 - Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees.

Law 5.2 - The referee ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play.

Law 5.5 - From the technical area, only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions to their team and he must return to his position immediately after giving these instructions.

Law 9.1 - The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the line or touch line whether on ground or in the air. That is to say, if any part of the ball is above the line, its still in play. Usually the ball will be given as out even when its still rolling along the line and commentators frequently trot out the incorrect "more than half the ball" rule.

Law 12.3 - An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his posession.

Law 12.3 - An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands. It seems common practise for a striker to run towards or dance about in front of a keeper, presumably with in the intention of making him break the six-second law but however it is in itself an offence.

Law 12.3 - An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player. By law, this means that a keeper bouncing the ball after picking it up is punishable by an indirect free kick.

Law 12.5 - A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he is guilty of unsporting behavior.

Law 12.5 - A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he shows dissent by word or action.

Law 12.5 - A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he persistently infringes the laws of the game.

Law 12.5 - A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he delays the restart of play.

Law 12.4 - A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted.

Law 12.4 - A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee's permission. Such as running and jumping into the first row of spectators after scoring a goal.

Law 12.5 - A player is sent off and shown the red card if he uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.


Further Problems caused by Decisions of the FA Board:

Decision of the FA Board Number 3. The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession includes parrying the ball.

This is intended to protect keepers from strikers kicking the ball out of their hands. However the problem is caused with reference to troublesome Law 12.3

Law 12.3 - An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player.

Therefore a goalkeeper is actually not allowed to stop a ball with his hands unless he holds it the first time. If he parries it off his hands, it bounces on the ground, and then he grabs it, thats an offence and it should cost him an indirect free kick. It is rediculous , so why is it in the laws?

Decision 6 - Any simulating action anywhere on the field, which is intended to deceive the referee, must be sanctioned as unsporting behaviour. This would ordinarily refer to "a dive". But what exactly is a "simulating action" in a broader sense? Pretending to do something? What about when a player pretends he's earned a throw-in by sticking his hand in the air? This is surely attempting to deceive the referee.