Question Number: 23701

Other 7/24/2010

Bob Smith of Bundaberg, Qld Australia asks...

I hear the older refs quote parts from the Q&A 2006 as a reference like the LOTG. What is it, and since I can't find this document from the FIFA website, what status does it have now for making decisions?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Smith
Up until 2006 FIFA published Questions and Answers as an addendum to the Laws of the Game. These Q&As interpreted the Law giving official answers to match situations. Since 2006 they have continued to be used as a source by referees for interpreting the Laws except where the Law has clearly changed. They are no longer an official publication but are still IMO a good resource
They can be found on various websites

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The Q&A was replaced by the Interpretations and Guidelines section now included in the Laws of the Game. (IFAB/FIFA edition; the USSF does not publish this section, for some of our readers who may be wondering what we are talking about.)

The Q&A is a good resource, but like other aging resources must be evaluated in light of any current Law changes or newer interpretations that have come from IFAB. Fortunately in recent years we have had only minor tweaks to the Laws, so most of what is in the 2006 edition still is applicable.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The Q&A sites still may be used as official reference unless there has been a newer opinion written somewhere. They contain a wealth of information.